This summer, my kids approached me with a request: they wanted to use cornstarch to create slime. “Slime?” I replied, reminiscing about the gooey green stuff that was once a Nickelodeon staple back in my teenage years from the 90s.
As every parent knows, such inquiries often warrant further investigation. I had no idea what modern slime-making entailed, and when they explained it was simply mixing cornstarch with water—“How do you not know that?” they asked—I figured it was harmless enough. I granted them permission, as long as they kept the mess contained to the kitchen. Little did I know, I was in for quite the experience.
And wow, what a revelation! This wasn’t the slime of my youth; it was colorful and stretchy. Armed with just a few basic ingredients (which I now find myself purchasing regularly), my kids were entertained for two straight days. The hardened bits that clung to the kitchen sink? I didn’t mind them. The cornstarch footprints on our wooden floors were even a bit charming. My kids were delighted and, best of all, not whining about boredom—what a win!
My typically restless 9-year-old was calm and collected, thoroughly engaged in stretching and squishing his slime. We had experimented with stress balls and gum during car rides and restaurant waits, but nothing had kept him as relaxed as this gooey substance.
The following week, my daughter asked if we could head to the store for Borax and glue. Naturally, I wanted to know her plan. “To make slime, of course,” she said, as if it was obvious. (Pro tip: clear glue yields the best results, and yes, it’s available in bulk.)
While we stocked up on slime-making supplies at Target, she excitedly requested food coloring and glitter to create “fancy” slime. Suddenly, she pulled out her phone, showing me a video of someone simply poking slime. Yes, you read that correctly—just poking. There’s a frenzy of viral videos on Instagram and YouTube showcasing people stretching, pulling, and manipulating slime, and I found myself inexplicably drawn in.
It’s mesmerizing; one video featured a beautiful pink slime that had me entranced as the creator kneaded and rubbed it like it was frosting or gelato—without the mess. It even produced satisfying bubble-popping sounds. I was captivated, and I felt a strange mix of confusion and delight.
Just then, a pan clattering to the floor broke the spell. What had I just witnessed? Apparently, this was the same activity that had kept my kids content all summer long. The act of making, playing with, or even just watching slime being manipulated is oddly hypnotic. It’s a strange new fascination that I can’t quite shake.
I must admit, the glitter and food coloring that stained my butcher block countertop were a bit annoying—my kitchen now resembles a craft table used by kindergartners for several years, and my wallet is significantly lighter due to all the glue and cornstarch purchases. Still, I wholeheartedly embrace this trend. I prefer my kids engaged, collaborating, and laughing while they squeeze slime, rather than bickering over trivial matters and begging for fast food.
Truth be told, when I find myself alone, feeling down or stressed, I sometimes sneak one of the many blobs of slime scattered throughout our home (seriously, they’re everywhere: the junk drawer, freezer, pantry, and probably behind the toilet too) and give it a squeeze. It brings me unexpected joy.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at slime-making, here’s a simple recipe. I dare you not to give it a poke or pull. Feel free to add some glitter if you’re in the mood to get fancy.
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In summary, the slime-making trend has captivated my children and unexpectedly enchanted me as well. While it comes with its mess, the benefits of engaged, happy kids far outweigh the minor inconveniences.