Essential Oils in the Playground

One of the best things about Essential Oils is how versatile they are. Many parents want to introduce essential oils into their children’s lives, but they aren’t sure on how to start. Well, making oils part of your child’s play activities and toys can be a great introduction.

These three DIY’s are a perfect to gather the whole family together, both when making them and when playing with them. It’s play time!

Fun Soap

This DIY is a two in one. Besides being a recipe that you can do together with your kids, it will also motivate them to wash their hands more often!

What you need:

• Melt and pour soap base
• Soap colouring
• Silicone mould (you can buy funky ones, with dinosaurs or Lego)
• Favourite dōTERRA essential oil

Instructions:

1. Cut soap base into small chunks and place in a heatproof glass container.
2. Place the container in a saucepan with four centimetres of boiling water until melted.
3. Once melted, divide soap base into glass containers for separate colours.
4. Add colour and essential oils and stir well.
5. Pour into silicone mould and let rest for two to three hours or until hard. Once hard, remove from silicone mould.
6. Store in plastic bag until ready to use.

Moon Sand

Who says you need to go to the beach to build a sandcastle? Make your own sand with three very simple ingredients and let your kids become sand art masters.

What you need:

• 8 cups (1200g) flour
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 8-10 drops Lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix with hands until well combined.
   Note: You may need to add more vegetable oil until you reach a mouldable consistency.

Playdough

There are few better toys than playdough. It’s practical, easy to make and a great way to let kid’s creativity flow. This recipe will also make it smell great!

What you need:

• 2 cups (300g) flour
• 2 cups (480ml) coloured water (you can colour it with food colouring)
• 1 cup (150g) salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 5 drops of your favourite essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except for essential oils, in a large saucepan and stir until combined.
2. Once combined, put over medium heat.
3. Using a spatula, continue to stir ingredients together until it forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and cool on parchment paper.
5. Once cool, add 5 drops of your favourite essential oil and knead until thoroughly combined.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for months of fun!

Fun Tip: Make summer more exciting with a once-a-day challenge for your kids. Write your daily challenge on a small piece of paper. Challenges can include activities such as "have a picnic”,"help in the garden," "make playdough," or "bake cupcakes". Roll up each piece of paper, place it in a bowl and take one every day for a new challenge. With this thrilling new trick, your kids will be rushing to see what's next!