Your kiddos have a lot on their minds: from who can leap the highest to figuring out how to make Alexa crack jokes. But right now, their focus is likely on mastering the art of blowing bubbles with gum. Sure, bubblegum might clash with your household rules—think sticky surfaces and hair disasters. However, indulging in gum and competing to see who can create the biggest bubble is undeniably a rite of passage for children.
While the potential for a sticky situation is real, this experience can also be a sweet throwback to your own childhood. Remember chewing on grape-flavored Big League Chew at Little League games? Or racing your cousins to the ice cream truck for that treat with a gumball at its center? Everyone has a gum-related memory, even if it’s just the nostalgic joy that comes from the scent of your grandma’s minty Wrigley’s gum.
And guess what? There are plenty of fun tricks to try with bubblegum! While some may find them a tad unappealing—after all, you’re essentially playing with saliva—your little ones won’t stay little forever! Let’s dive into the steps for blowing a bubble, and once they’ve got that down, you can explore some of the epic gum tricks we’ve gathered.
Concerned About Messes?
Keep gum as an outdoor-only activity. Dress your kids in play clothes and tie back long hair. Hats can add a little extra security for you!
How to Blow a Bubble with Gum
- Choose the Right Gum: Go for a brand known for bubble-blowing like Big League Chew or Bubblicious in a flavor of your choice (though grape is a classic!). Take out two pieces or a pinch if you’re using Big League Chew, but remember that little mouths might do better with just one piece.
- Chew the Gum: Chomp down until the gum becomes soft yet still juicy.
- Shape the Gum: Use your tongue to press the gum against the roof of your mouth, flattening it into a disk.
- Position it Right: Move the flattened gum to the front of your mouth, resting it just behind your teeth.
- Create a Bubble: Open your mouth and gently push the gum between your teeth and lips with your tongue. Take your time to avoid poking a hole.
- Thin it Out: Continue using your tongue to push the gum disk out until it’s nice and thin. It might help to have mirrors nearby for your kids to monitor their progress.
- Blow the Bubble: Once the center of the gum disk is thin enough, blow into it. Encourage your child to take a deep breath, as a regular breath won’t cut it! It’s like trying to blow bubbles in thicker liquids.
- Finish the Bubble: As the bubble begins to grow, pull your tongue back and just blow.
- Seal or Pop: Use your teeth to pinch the bubble closed once it reaches the desired size—or keep blowing until it pops!
Fun Gum Tricks
- Frozen Bubble: After creating a bubble and pinching it off, place it in the freezer. Once it’s solid, put it back in your mouth and impress your friends with your “indestructible” bubble.
- Teeth Mold: This playful trick involves pressing chewed gum against your teeth to create molds. Kids will love comparing their unique shapes!
- Bubble Within a Bubble: Start by blowing a small bubble and keeping it safe at the front of your mouth. Next, blow a larger bubble and, before sealing it, use your tongue to insert the smaller bubble inside. Seal it off and enjoy the trick!
Is It Considered Rude to Pop Your Gum?
If someone has scolded you for popping gum, you might wonder about the etiquette. While chewing gum is generally acceptable in relaxed settings, popping it can be distracting and unpleasant to others. It’s best enjoyed in private or among close friends who don’t mind the noise—think of it like chewing with your mouth open!
What’s the Biggest Bubble Ever Blown?
Curious about the extremes of bubblegum? Chad Fell from Alabama holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bubblegum bubble, measuring a whopping 20 inches in diameter, made from three pieces of Dubble Bubble gum back in 2004.
How to Make Your Own Bubble Gum
Ever thought about crafting your own gum? It’s simpler than you might think, and you can customize the flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup gum base
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon glycerin
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 6 drops of your favorite flavoring (strawberry, root beer, mint, etc.)
- 3 drops of food coloring
Mix everything together for 10 to 15 minutes until you achieve a creamy consistency.
How to Make Bubble Gum Ice Cream
Combine your love for bubblegum with ice cream! You’ll get a delightful treat that’s chewy and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- Food coloring (blue, pink, or green)
- 1 teaspoon bubble gum flavoring or vanilla
- 6 ounces of gumballs