Molding and Shaping Kids 
by Kelly & Jeff Greunke

 

What are some of the qualities parents would hope to instill to their kids? How are we to shape their lives as they grow up? We believe the beginnings of such a list might include:

Manners
Kindness
Character/integrity
Responsibility
Sharing
Patience – (for both kids and parents!)

but most of all – showing love.

 

Like children, no two pieces of play dough are exactly alike and each one can be molded and stretched into infinitely unique shapes—and as they are molded, some may need more pressure than others! You have to work with each one to make sure it is done right. That’s an example of personal, life-on-life discipleship right there.

As you work the dough, you can see your fingerprints on it. The same goes for our children—we can impress things upon them but we can’t force our shape onto them. And as each child plays with the dough, they are beginning to form it into something of their own making. Sometimes we have to stand back and let them create their own thing and let their vivid imagination run wild. We sometimes can’t see just what it is they say they made but of course, it’s always “beautiful.”

And boy, can it be messy! While they play, there are usually bits and bits everywhere…on the table, the chair, the floor. But hey, that’s how it is raising children.

Recently, we found this recipe for hand-crafted, homemade play dough (that happens to be non-toxic) and made it with some of the kids. They had a blast making it (especially the youngest one). They love playing with it, even more so than the real thing. It seems to stay soft and doesn’t dry out. Try it sometime soon and see how much fun it is to create something with your kids. And when they bring you those lovely purple and green cookies that they shaped, make sure you enjoy every “bite.”

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KOOL-AID Play Dough recipe
time prep: 15 min
total: 30 min
servings total: 1-3/4 cups

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 env. KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix, any flavor
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. oil

MIX first 4 ingredients in medium saucepan until blended. Stir in water and oil.

COOK on medium heat 5 min. or until mixture forms ball, stirring frequently.

TRANSFER to plate; cool slightly.

Store in resealable plastic bag or airtight container.

IMPORTANT NOTE
KOOL-AID Play Dough is not intended for consumption.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/kool-aid-play-dough-148569.aspx?pf=true