Glitter jars are a fun way to help your child understand and work through strong feelings. This activity shows how to make a glitter jar and how your child can use it to identify their feelings and process them, ultimately aiding in self-regulation.
How to make a glitter jar:
Fill a plastic jar with water 3⁄4 full.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter to the jar. You can use different colours of glitter to represent different emotions using the Zones for Regulation.
Red= Angry, Elated/Overjoyed, Terrified, Devastated, Panicked/ Out-of control
Blue= Sad, Fatigue, Bored, Sick, Tired
Yellow= Stressed, Worried, Excited, Silly, Frustrated
Green= Focused, Happy, Content, Calm and Proud Close the jar tightly.
Shake the jar vigorously to evenly disperse the glitter. Voilà! Your glitter jar is now complete.
Use the jar to learn mindfulness and self-regulation. Ask your child to give the jar a gentle shake. This allows them to notice their feelings and energy. While they watch the glitter settle down, remind them to take slow breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth. This may help them re-regulate their breath and feel more calm.
