![]() Using extra glue will mean that the glitter floats for longer, so you can adjust the length of the time out according to the child's age. Simply tell your child to watch the jar until the flakes have all fallen - it's only at this point that they'll be allowed to leave the time out area. NOTE: Glitter jars can also be used as a 'time out' timer. I'll be honest I made one a retreat about a year ago and I use it ALL THE TIME!!! Just give them a good shake, then watch until the glitter settles in the bottom of the jar to refocus and refresh an overwhelmed mind. You too will receive all the same benefits as your child, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity for them to see you model its use and benefits.These magical glitter jars are the perfect sensory toy for children and grown ups alike.ĭesigned to soothe and relax, the swirling patterns created by glitter, water and food coloring are ideal for calming down a stressed out child ( or adult, for that matter) - leading to their alternative name, 'calm down jars'. And, as always, children learn best by example! So, the next time you feel yourself starting to get stressed or upset, grab the bottle. Slowly over time, you may notice they begin to reach for it (or ask for it) when they start to feel these emotions themselves. Then, simply keep it easily accessible, so the next time you notice your child starting to escalate grab it, shake it, and hand it over to them. Then together shake it, play with it… maybe even have a little dance party, pausing the music to calm down and watch the glitter fall. Have them help you make it (it’s a really fun craft activity) discuss what it is, how it works and when it can be used. How to implement it?Īs with most calm-down strategies it is best to introduce a calm-down bottle to your child before they are in a heightened state. The entire process provides a child with a short “time out” opportunity, without any feelings of consequence or shame. Their fast heart rate and shallow breathing will start to slow and the soothing visual stimulation will help put them into a relaxed almost meditative state. Watch & wait: While holding the bottle and watching the glitter and items slowly swirl and fall, a child’s hands and eyes will be brought to their midline, this can help to organize their nervous system. The proprioceptive system has an important regulatory role in sensory processing, so proprioceptive input can assist in controlling responses and have a calming effect on children who are overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. It detects and controls force and pressure and provides us with a sense of body awareness. The proprioceptive system is located in our muscles and joints. It also provides something called “proprioceptive input” to their body. The shaking: The shaking of the jar acts as a safe physical outlet to replace more harmful outlets children may use such as hitting, kicking, biting or self-harm. How does it work?Ī calm-down jar acts as a visual anchor, or grounding point, to help bring a child’s focus to one place when things start to feel out of control or overwhelming. Repeat this process as many times as you want. ![]() Then stop, watch and wait… as the glitter and items inside slowly settle. How do you use it? SHAKE, STOP, WATCH & WAIT! - Yup, it’s that simple!Īnytime your child (or you) starts to feel stress, anxiety, anger or any big emotion, grab the jar and SHAKE! Shake it hard and fast for as long as you need.
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