I first made these calm down jars in 2014. My kids were so small that we used plastic, just in case they were dropped or thrown during a tantrum back then. While the children have grown so much since then, I have made these with them a few times. I have updated the post and included a few new photos for you.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
If you need an idea that brings a little more zen and fewer tantrums, let me introduce you to the time out jar. You can call these whatever you like; a meditation jar, a calm down jar, or a time in jar. The idea remains the same, this jar can help your kids take a minute to collect themselves after a meltdown, or offer them a quiet minute for themselves anytime they want it. Plus, the results are pretty and relaxing to watch.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
Make these with a plastic container, like a treehut body scrub container, if you have little kids.
If your kids are older, and would be more likely to use this as a meditation tool, feel free to use a mason jar, or even better, recycle a used food jar, like a pasta sauce container.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
This is an easy craft, that all ages can help with. It is cool enough to get tweens interest, and you can use your favorite colors and whatever glitter you like. We have even added chunky confetti to time out jars.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
Supplies:
1 to 2 tablespoons of glitter glue
Chunky Confetti
Glitter
A mason jar and lid
1 ¾ water
A craft stick
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
Pour the warm water in the container with the glitter glue.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
Add a drop or two of food coloring to the glue and water.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
I lined the lid of the container with glue and firmly sealed the jar.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman. |
And here you have a TIME OUT JAR.
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| Photo Credit: Sara Lehman |
love this!!!!! Gonna have to steal it! Thanks for sharing. I think this would work well in my home too
ReplyDeleteThis is a great hands on way to redirect behavior. We've been doing a minute for each year old and setting a timer but my active son is constantly finding things to play with while sitting there. This just might do the trick, occupy his hands and mind while his body resets itself.
ReplyDeleteI love this such a neat idea and I like that is DIY
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea! Like Audra above, I usually do a minute of time out for each year old, but this is much better!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea. I like that you didn't use a mason jar. I'll be on the lookout for a clear plastic jar so I can make one too!
ReplyDeleteTry a peanut butter jar.
DeleteThanks for stopping by Tiffany!
Water bottles work great to. I used bottles from smart water. They can take a beating
ReplyDeleteLove your simple directions! And the need for glitter glue -- definitely! Tried it once with regular glue and glitter and it did not work.
ReplyDeleteWe made these in our preschool science area. One for each color.
ReplyDeleteThe kids are fascinated with the colors and glitter. Great idea for timing the time out!
i like this idea. will make for my students. thanks for sharing .
ReplyDeleteAs a grandma I'm wondering: wouldn' t some groovy kids cause themselves to require a timeout just to experience this fun timer?!? LOL.
ReplyDeleteMy husband teaches children with multiple disabilities and severe sensory impairment. I am going to show him this. The sparkly movement will be a very good visual for some of them.
ReplyDeleteI need to try this with my toddlers, hoptin it might calm them when they are angry! Thank you for linking up to the Thoughful Spot Weekly Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! What a neat idea!! Thanks for sharing at The Mommy Club Link Party.
ReplyDeleteSuch a clever idea! I love how pretty it looks. Thanks for sharing at My Favorite Things Party. Theresa @DearCreatives
ReplyDeleteLoving this idea Sara!! I really need to make some of these for my youngest two. Featuring this post on tomorrow's Serenity saturday link party
ReplyDeleteNatasha, You made my day! What an honor!
DeleteI'm going to try this with my now empty nutella jar. can't wait to try in my 4 &5 yr old classroom. does it matter how much glue used based on the size of bottle?
ReplyDeleteHi Megan!
DeleteI used about a tablespoon of glitter glue, so it wouldn't take too long to settle to the bottom. If you have an older child (mine is 3 so just a few moments is adequate for a time out for him) you can add more glue so that the glitter will take longer to settle to the bottom, allowing more time to reflect upon the behavior that lead to a time out.
I've seen these around, but I didn't think they would be effective but I think I will give it a shot for my little guy and maybe me too! :D
ReplyDeleteYes! Even if it isn't as effective as you like for the kids it will be perfect for Mom! Sometimes I need a time out and this is ideal. I can reflect on what events have led me to need a moment and then
DeleteI feel zen again. :)
Thanks for dropping by Heather!
That's a great idea. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI like this idea. A way to relax and gather our selves with visual stimulation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
I really like this idea! I'm always looking for positive ways to get my girls to sit in time out when necessary. I think I might even make one for myself :) Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop to share with our readers! You were featured as one of my favorites this week :)
ReplyDeleteWe made these last summer! :) http://grtlyblesd.blogspot.com/2013/07/it-sparkles-my-pinned-it-and-did-it-for.html I still shake mine up every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteThat is very cool! Thanks for sharing at the Thoughtful Spot Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteSuck a fun idea! Thanks for linking up at #MerryMonday!
ReplyDeleteFun and non toxic so kind of safe.
ReplyDelete