Bubble Solution Recipe and Activities

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple bubble recipe to keep the kids entertained for hours.

Any parent knows that there are times when you need something that will work-here and now. A skinned knee, a long car ride, too much attention given to the new baby or a litany or other reasons can require the presence of a sure-fire child-pleaser. And if there's one old standby that can be counted on, it's bubbles.

It's always a wise investment to keep several small jars of bubble liquid (complete with little bubble wand inside) on hand in the house and car. The little plastic container full of bubble mixture can usually be bought for prices ranging from 19 to 49 cents, and there are larger, economy sizes available, too. The judicious production of one of these containers can often nip a crisis in the bud, and bubble play seems to satisfy children from toddler age on up.

Of course, a crisis isn't necessary for bubble fun, and sometimes it's worth handing out bubble jars to all of the children in the yard just for the sheer pleasure of it all. The only problem is that running, jumping kids will inevitably knock over the opened bubble containers, spilling the contents on the ground. Still, if you're at home, there's no problem; just duck into the house and whip up a whole bucketful of generic bubble liquid. Here's how:

Get a clean bucket-preferably plastic-and put in 10 cups of water and one cup of liquid dishwashing detergent (the type used for washing dishes by hand, not the soap used in a dishwasher). Empirical tests suggest that the best brand for making big bubbles is Joy, followed closely by Dawn. Mix the ingredients gently; suds on the top interfere with bubble making. If you have glycerin in the house, add 2 or 3 spoonfuls to increase bubble durability and longevity-they won't burst as quickly.

Now you've got enough bubble liquid for acres of children, and if it spills you can always make some more. Refill the little jars from the bucket so that everyone can once again enjoy a private supply. There'll be plenty left over for a few tricks!

Try filling a wide, shallow pan with a half-inch of bubble solution. A cookie pan, hubcap or even a plastic or aluminum snow saucer will do. Make some home-made bubble wands out of pipe cleaners-the fuzzy fabric holds the solution nicely. Bigger wands will make bigger bubbles. You can even bend a coat hanger into a circle, dip it in the liquid, and then wave it through the air to produce something stupendous.

The bigger the bubble, the quicker it will probably burst. The glycerin should help with this problem, and picking a shady spot sheltered from the wind will also help. A bubble bursts because the liquid composing its skin evaporates to the point that it can no longer support itself. The glycerin and a cool, protected spot will slow down the evaporative process. Days of higher humidity give the best results.

Bubble liquid is slippery on floors, so be careful about spillage if you're inside. The residue from the bubbles themselves shouldn't be a problem unless the fun goes on for a long time! And younger children who are bored indoors on a rainy day can always be offered the free run of the kitchen sink. Put some pans, plastic bowls, cups and spoons in the sink, fill a couple of the bowls with water, squeeze in a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and hand your young hydraulic engineer a plastic drinking straw to blow with and a hand-driven eggbeater to churn with.

This kind of basic water play is always available, always successful and always clean. When it's over there's only spilled water and soapsuds to wipe up-nothing to worry about. It's also open-ended fun that can go on for a long time-just the thing for busy or stressed-out parents who need to provide some instant fun. Bubbles: the simplest toy provides the most joy. There's a lesson to be learned in that.

Article provided by Homesteader