Best DIY Mindfulness Activity for Parents and Kids

MindfulnessParentingLessons for KidsEmotional Self-Care
Written By Parent Self Care

Calming Glitter Jars 

Written by Kristi Yeh, LMFT

These DIY calming jars are like a great Pixar movie that everyone in the family can enjoy. Calm jars have been popular in recent years because they are an easy and fun DIY project that helps people practice pausing and being in the present moment. The idea of the glitter jar (check out this biodegradable glitter company) is that when you shake the jar and there is a lot of glitter swirling around, it represents our mind when we have racing thoughts and intense emotions. When the mind is cluttered, stressed, and overwhelmed you cannot see clearly, just as you literally cannot see the clear water through all the glitter moving around. Try taking a few minutes to focus only on your breathing as you watch the glitter float to the bottom of the jar. As the glitter settles, it is a metaphor for a more present and lucid mind that can think clearly, flexibly, and calmly.

Calming Glitter Jar Instructions:

  • Select a water bottle or mason jar with two-piece metal lid (plastic mason jars sometimes leak, so I recommend using a water bottle if you want plastic for younger children)

  • If you want the glitter to settle more slowly, add some clear glue first otherwise you can just use water

  • Important tip is to use mostly fine glitter, the chunky glitter doesn’t float as well

  • It’s fun to use a little bit of chunkier glitter or confetti to add some extra flare

  • Another option is to add 1-2 drops of food coloring (one drop goes a long way, and it can quickly make your jar very dark so use with caution)

  • You can also add a small cake decoration/plastic toy or use a glue gun to attach a plastic figurine/decoration to the lid if you want more of a snow globe feel

Using a calming jar is a quick and fun way to practice emotional self-care and mindfulness. It offers us a physical reminder to allow ourselves to pause, which can be so useful in moments of overwhelm and stress as parents.

Mindfulness is another popular buzz word whose meaning can seem elusive at times. Mindfulness simply means to pay attention on purpose in a certain way (e.g. with an attitude of openness, acceptance, gratitude, etc.). Mindfulness sounds easier than it is, but with practice you will see improvement. It’s also important to remember to try to let go of perfectionism and judgement when you engage in mindfulness practices such as calming jars, walks, yoga, or meditation. All of our minds are busy at times, and if you find your thoughts straying from the present moment or your breath, simply say to yourself, “welcome back, it’s great be here again!” There is a plethora of research about mindfulness, and it’s been proven to increase positive emotions, focus, memory, relationship satisfaction, and immune functioning.

If you are practicing this calming strategy with your children, a tip is to practice when they are not upset so that it is easier for them to use when they are feeling frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed. 

If you are interested in learning more about mindful self-care, you can check out these resources.

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Kristi Yeh is a parent of two, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been practicing in California for over ten years. She currently works in school-based mental health at a public elementary and middle school. A part of Kristi’s role entails discussing self-care with parents. Research shows that the better the adults take care of themselves, the healthier our children are at home and school.

Parent Self Care https://parentselfcare.com
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