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These days, slime is a big hit with the kids. It comes in different colors and different varieties such as fluffy slime, crunchy slime and glitter slime. They just seem to enjoy the stretching and squishing.
It may sound weird but apparently, playing with slime has several benefits. It’s even therapeutic in a way and is being used as a sensory activity for kids of all ages.
Because it has gained popularity in recent years there are lots of slime products in stores. The downside of it is that many of these products are toxic and harmful to kids with certain sensitivities.
So while I’d trust my school-age kids to play with almost any slime, I’m more cautious about letting a toddler play with it. There’s just no telling when a toddler would stick his hand inside his mouth after playing with slime. Also, you’ll never know which ingredient is harmful to the skin so it wouldn’t be wise to risk your kid having rashes all over their body.
However, that doesn’t mean you should steer clear of slime. As I said, slime is beneficial in many ways. The challenge here is to let your kids play with the kind of slime that won’t harm their skin and won’t cause adverse effects even when they put their hands in their mouth while playing with it.
As a hands-on mom, this is something I know I can easily fix. You can make your own slime using marshmallows and other ingredients that are safe and edible.
Speaking of marshmallows, one of my most recent posts is about saving dry mallows. I recently found an open bag that wasn’t resealed properly so they became dry and hard. There are three ways you can soften marshmallows so you don’t have to throw them away.
If you have stale mallows in the pantry, check out that post. But if you don’t want to soften them for consumption, why not make marshmallow slime instead?
Any mallows would do, really. But if you have stale ones, this would be a good way to repurpose them.
It would be a great activity for the kids during the break and it’s so easy to do. No need to run to the specialty store for special ingredients as most of them could already be in your pantry.
What is Marshmallow Slime?
Marshmallow slime is basically slime that’s made of, well, marshmallows and a few other edible ingredients. It’s made of mallows, oil, and cornstarch. Some recipes would also include a little powdered sugar and edible glitters or sprinkles.
In essence, it’s an alternative to the traditional slime that uses liquid starch, saline solution, borax powder, and dye. Edible slime or taste safe slime is the safest slime you can give to your kids without worrying about nibbles here and there.
What Are the Benefits of Playing With Slime?
Slime is a good sensory activity for kids. Aside from that, here are some other benefits you get from playing with slime.
- It helps kids learn how to focus. Letting the kids help you make slime helps force them to focus on the activity in front of them. Since getting the slime done requires attention and effort, they need to do some hard work to achieve the correct consistency of slime.
- It boosts attentiveness. Have you noticed how you seem to be lost in the moment when you’re playing with slime? That’s the same with kids being in the moment as they stretch, squish, and pull. In this way, their attention and awareness are promoted through sensory experience.
- It helps them learn how to play independently. Playing with slime doesn’t require kids to have a playmate. It allows them to enjoy even when they are by themselves even for a short time. In the long run, it will help them build their confidence and ability to concentrate.
- It has a calming effect. The most immediate effect of playing with slime probably is its ability to bring a sense of calm both in kids and adults. It brings down stress levels and promotes a better mood in times of anxiety.
- It helps develop fine motor skills. Slime is a sensory toy and therefore helps develops a child’s dexterity, strength and fine motor control.
DIY Slime Using Marshmallows
Description
These days, slime is a big hit with the kids. It comes in different colors and different varieties such as fluffy slime, crunchy slime and glitter slime. They just seem to enjoy the stretching and squishing. Here’s how to make edible marshmallow slime that’s fun and safe for kids of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)
- ½ cup cornstarch + a little more for mixing
- ½ cup icing sugar + a little more for mixing
- Food coloring of your choice
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Mixing bowl
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Put the marshmallows and coconut oil onto the pan and melt over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until fully melted.
- Pour the melted marshmallow into the mixing bowl and add in the dry ingredients.
- Grease your hands with nonstick cooking spray or a little oil and mix the marshmallow mixture using your hands.
- Sprinkle some cornstarch on a clean counter or any flat surface and transfer the mixture.
- Knead until you get a slimy consistency. It should be stretchable but not sticky. You may keep adding cornstarch and icing sugar until you get the correct texture.
- Divide the slime into 2 or 3 portions depending on your preference and add some food coloring.
- Knead again until the food coloring is completely incorporated into the slime.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- When melting the marshmallows, you may also try the microwave method. Place some mallows and oil in a heatproof bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir, then proceed with the next steps.
- For more sensory development, you may add edible sprinkles or edible glitter to the slime.
- You can store the slime in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Make sure there’s minimal humidity where you store it. Also, do not refrigerate it because that will cause it to lose its’ texture.
- Category: Dessert
