Kids are pretty notorious for loving gross things and slime is no exception. As parents, you likely don't want slime all over your house, especially if it has unknown origins. Fortunately, there's an answer that will please you both. Homemade slime allows your child to play with the goo of his dreams, but you'll know exactly what's in so your gag reflex may not go into action as quickly if you step on a chunk of it. There are several ways to make slime and these classic recipes are both easy and fun for kids. Go ahead and try them all to see which works best for you.
Borax Slime
Borax probably isn't something that appears on your grocery list often. However, it's easy to find at any supermarket and doesn't cost a lot. Look for it where the laundry soap is sold. This is probably one of the most common ways to make slime. This version comes courtesy of the now defunct website Spoonful.com, although you can increase or decrease the measurements proportionally to create the volume of goo you want.
Ingredients
- Warm water
- One cup glue
- Four teaspoons of borax
- Food coloring
Directions
- Start by placing three-fourths cup of warm water in a bowl with the glue.
- Stir well to combine.
- Tint with food coloring for different colors of slime.
- In another bowl pour one and three-fourths cup water, and add the borax, stirring to combine.
- Add the borax mixture to the glue mixture and watch as the two combine to form a pleasing lump of goo.
- Let your child use his hands to help the process along.
- Store the slime in a sealable plastic bag when not in use.
Tip: White glue works perfect for this, but typically creates a pastel color when food dye is added. Use clear glue for a more intense color.
Warning: Borax is dangerous in large doses, so be sure your kids aren't sampling while you make the goo. Finished slime should never be eaten either.
"Oobleck"
If you can't keep slime out of your little one's mouth, a cornstarch version is probably a better bet. It's really inexpensive to make, but gives your child plenty of chances to squish and form it as she plays. Make cornstarch slime to keep your kids entertained for hours. Again, you can make a half batch or multiply the ingredients to make more, but this basic version from Cooks.com is a great starting point. It might not taste that great, but this recipe for slime isn't likely to cause any harm if your child eats it.
Ingredients
- One box of cornstarch
- One cup water
- Food coloring
Directions
- Place the water and the cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add a few drops of the desired food coloring.
- Mix well.
Tip: Anytime you use food coloring, there's the potential for staining clothes, so be sure your child wears play clothes just in case.
Soap Slime
It sounds gross, but this type of slime is good clean fun. It won't taste that good, so the chances of your little one eating it are small. It's also super easy to make so your child will be playing in just minutes. Check out this easy recipe from Picklebums, then modify as needed for your purposes.
Ingredients
- Pure soap flakes
- Hot water
Directions
- Place one cup of soap flakes in a large tub or bucket.
- Add about three cups of hot water.
- Mix with your hands. A spoon or whisk also works.
Your child can play right away, but letting the goo sit for several hours produces a slimier consistency.
Tip: Make this slime in the backyard wading pool to minimize the mess in the house.
Warning: This slime will burn your child's eyes, so be sure to keep his hands away from his face while he plays. If it does happen, flush his eyes with cool water several times.
What Parents Want to Hear
Playing with slime is a great sensory activity for kids. Not only is it messy and fun, but it promotes motor development, concentration and exploration of the environment, note the experts at Learning4Kids. It's also fun for teaching colors if you tint it with food coloring. The different textures are interesting to kids as well. Manipulating the slime with their hands or other objects is a great way to teach cause and effect as they see what happens when they try different things. Giving in to the love of the disgusting is a parenting decision you won't regret, if only for the smiles on your kids' faces as they play with it.
