Telling your child to “calm down” doesn’t work. A better strategy is to make this easy calming jar – with a Christian twist!
When children are in the middle of a meltdown, they need a little more silent direction and a little distraction to de-escalate and calm down.
Self-regulation is a crucial skill in our executive function (mental skills) toolkit. When we want to blow up, interrupt or have our emotions consume us
…self-regulation is what keeps us anchored to the truth of our identity and mission as God’s children when we’re in the midst of an emotional storm.
There are many tools and techniques for calming a child. A popular one is a calming jar.
In this short post, you’ll discover a Christian spin on this game-changing tool, how to easily make one, and how to use it with calming techniques to help your child.
what is a calming jar?
A calming jar is one of my kids’ favourite additions to our Volcano Box.
This tool has many names: calming jar, glitter jar, sensory bottle…but essentially has one useful purpose.
It’s simply a jar or bottle filled with visually appealing ingredients (like glitter) that gives an emotional child a focus.
And it’s a beautiful concrete analogy for their current state of mind and feelings as well.
As the child (gently-ish) shakes up the jar, the glitter will stir and swirl around and around – at first, quickly, but then slow down as it descends to the bottom of the jar.
This sensory experience is delightful to watch, helping children regulate their own swirling emotions.
how to make a “jesus calms the storm” calming jar
These jars are very easy to make.
You’ll need:
- a container (recycled wide-mouthed plastic bottle or a mason jar)
- water
- glitter glue
- glitter
- mini Jesus figurine
- optional: beads, sequins, other light decorations
- optional: prayer decal
To make your calming jar,
- First, warm up the water (to help dissolve the glue)
- Fill 2/3rds of the jar with warm water.
- Add around 1/2c glitter glue (less for faster swirls, more for slower).
- Then mix with a spoon, then add glitter (Very Special Tales recommends combining coarse and fine glitter)
- Next, add in other decorations.
- Using a hot glue gun or glue alternative, secure the Jesus figurine to the inside of the lid. Allow to dry.
- If you’re happy with the “swirliness” of the glitter, top up with more water.
- Glue the lid and secure it to the jar (this will make sure angry kiddos don’t pop it off and things get crazier).
If you’re feeling crafty, you can add a prayer decal. Mine says, “Jesus, who calms the sea, would you come and please calm me?”
Easy peasy, you’re done!
Jesus, who calms the sea,
would you come and please calm me?
using the jar as part of a calming technique
As I mentioned, our calming jar is part of our Volcano Box.
When my kids are feeling anxious, stressed, or upset, I won’t discipline yet (if there’s been misbehaviour.)
I’ll walk them over to the Volcano box and have them choose a calming activity to do. If they’re unable to choose, I’ll pick one up and do it silently beside them until they feel ready to join in.
Adding a Christian element is a beautiful asset to our emotional regulation. My kids know that their emotions are never too big for God and that He desires to help them in their challenges and sorrows.
Bringing God into our “negative” emotions is a valuable life lesson. We don’t have to be perfect or have it all together for God to show up.
In the Self-Regulation Toolkit, I add some Scriptural deep breathing cards, lovingly drawn by a friend for my kids.
There’s a parent guide and devotional script for you to talk to your kids about dealing with feelings.
Additionally, a staple of my toolkits, 9+ hands-on interactive games and activities to deepen growth in these essential life skills.
Ready to help your child handle anxiety, frustration, sadness in a healthy way?
Buy the Self-Regulation Toolkit to get started.
read more:
- Frustrated that your child has a meltdown every time they have to stop an activity or things don’t go as planned? Here’s why and 5 practical ways to help.
- Are your discipline techniques teaching or harming your child? Learn how to use the right ones so they feel safe, loved, and receptive.
- Helpless watching your child erupt from a meltdown? Learn how a volcano box can help and how to put one together today in 5 min.
- Always getting drawn into an argument with your child? Here are 6 brain-based (and easy) ways to shut arguments down and keep the peace by teaching self-advocacy.
- 7 products to give your kids a healthy outlet for their frustration
- How to prevent meltdowns due to change, a transition or the unexpected
- How to make a calming Christmas sensory bucket