The Knoxter has always been a bit handsy. And recently, even more so. Just the other day my dinner was served, and just as I was thinking “I need to move that away from his range” his hand was already tilting the bowl from the table.
The speed seems to indicate an instinctive action rather than something planned. Like one of those alligator attacks you see on National Geographic. It boggles the mind what this kid is capable of.
Anyway, I figured that it would be a good idea to have him play with some playdough, maybe preoccupy him for a good half hour, please hopefully mommy dreams. So I looked up edible playdough and found several recipes on line.
I decided to make Jell-O playdough, but skipped on the Jell-o (having none). This was the recipe:
Jell-O Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2 oz.) package “unsweetened” Jell-O
Mix all ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry. Store in fridge.
Et voila!
I love the texture… slightly grainy (from the salt) and easy to clean up. The cool thing is that it smells like the playdough from my childhood! Suppose it was the cream of tar tar? I can totally envision adding food coloring to this~ Although it is supposedly ‘edible’, I’m pretty sure no sane kid would be eating it, not even Knox! It tastes horrifically salty!
I guess he’s a bit too young to get the concept of imaginative play with playdough. Knox prefers crinkly stuff, like this really cool Japanese fake newspaper toy that has a crinkly sheet inside. Though even more than that… he prefers mommy on the floor, playing with him =.=”
Perhaps I should bring out the playdough another time… or better yet, have HIM make it!
Btw, does anyone notice how kids aren’t really interested in toys? Like the really colorful multifunction multimaterial fabulous dazzling EXPENSIVE toys that are much coveted? Yes Knox may be preoccupied for a while but when it comes down to it, he prefers watching me, seeing what I’m doing, and getting all handsy in my business.
Which is normal. Which should be normal. I’ve always believed children have this strong desire to be helpful. Unfortunately, I cannot think of what sort of task that may need doing that can involve the deep incoordination of child who has yet to walk (and who sticks everything in his mouth). So for now, toys are his practice material. And if you’re a new parent, don’t believe the hype about all the multi-function toys that will baby sit your kid. They Will Not. You’re much better off with an empty soda bottle – they much prefer handling something that you’ve ‘played’ with.
Or something you’ve made, such as: a ball with bells inside, a rattle with beans, a hedgehog, or another sibling ; )
More interested in other toys
When the diaper leaks 