By: Emily Carter
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023
This past summer, my kids eagerly approached me with a request: could they use cornstarch to create slime? My initial thought was, “Slime? Really?” All that came to mind were the gooey, green messes that drenched unsuspecting victims on Nickelodeon back in the ’90s.
As any parent knows, such inquiries warrant deeper investigation. I had no idea how to make slime, nor did I fully grasp what they were talking about. When they explained, “You just mix cornstarch with water—how do you not know that?” it sounded harmless enough, so I gave them the green light as long as they kept the chaos confined to the kitchen. Little did I know the fun I was unleashing.
Wow, what a revelation! This was no ordinary slime; it was vibrant, squeezable, and a blast. With just a few simple ingredients—ones I now find myself buying regularly—the kids were thoroughly entertained for two days straight. I didn’t even mind the cement-like remnants clinging to the sink, nor the cornstarch footprints decorating our wooden floors. They were engaged and, best of all, not whining about boredom—what a win!
My typically restless 9-year-old was completely absorbed, pulling and squishing his slime. We’ve tried various distractions like gum and stress balls for long car rides or restaurant waits, but nothing calmed him quite like this gooey creation.
The following week, my daughter excitedly asked if we could hit the store for Borax and glue. Naturally, I was on board, curious about her plans. “To make slime, duh!” she replied (silly me). Pro tip: clear glue yields the best results, and you can buy it by the gallon.
While we loaded up on supplies at Target, she spotted food coloring and glitter, insisting on making “fancy” slime. Then, she whipped out her phone to show me a video of someone simply poking slime. Yes, that’s right—just poking it. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Viral videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube showcase people making, pulling, and squishing slime, and it’s utterly captivating. I found myself mesmerized.
Caught in a trance, I watched as she manipulated this stunning pink slime, turning it over in her hands. It looked like frosting or gelato but was surprisingly clean. Plus, it emitted these cool bubble-popping sounds. I found myself wanting to take a bite, feeling oddly entertained.
A commotion in the aisle snapped me back to reality. What just happened? Clearly, the same enchantment had kept my kids entertained all summer. The act of creating, playing with, or even just watching slime being poked is oddly hypnotic. Am I really getting into slime-making? It’s a strange feeling—am I annoyed or actually fond of it?
I must admit, the glitter and food coloring that stained my butcher block did become a bit of a nuisance. My kitchen now resembles an arts-and-crafts table frequented by a gaggle of toddlers. With all our resources now tied up in glue and cornstarch, I still find myself on board with this trend. I’d much prefer to see my kids collaborating and laughing over slime than watching them squabble over who gets to go to McDonald’s again.
And truth be told, when I need a little pick-me-up, I’ll grab one of the countless blobs of slime strewn around the house (trust me, they’re everywhere—from the junk drawer to the freezer, and yes, even behind the toilet). Giving it a squeeze brings me a surprising amount of joy.
If you’re curious to join in on the fun, here’s a simple slime recipe to get you started. I dare you to resist giving it a poke! Feeling fancy? Toss in some glitter for good measure. To learn more about this intriguing world of slime-making, check out this post on Cervical Insemination.
In summary, slime-making is not just a trend; it’s a captivating activity that keeps kids engaged and entertained. The joy it brings them—and even me—makes it a worthwhile endeavor, despite some minor messes along the way.