I have a love/hate relationship with Play-Doh. All the mixing, molding, shaping and tasting (oops, that’s just my 2 year old) inspires creative play. How can you not love a plate of pasta rolled from blue Play-Doh? Doesn’t the thought of a multi-colored snowman bring a smile to your face? I must admit, it’s the cleaning up part that really drives me crazy. Trust me; I’ve had the kids play with play-dough indoors, outdoors, on cookie sheets, and washable tablecloths. I know the minute I bring out Play-Doh I am committing to a big clean up.
Recently my sister sent my kids a huge package filled with 1 oz. jars of Play-Doh. My kids were ecstatic. I cringed knowing that my day would end with me crawling on my hands and knees picking up pieces of dough. Guess what? Those 1 oz. containers of play-dough turned out to be brilliant!
On a whim, I stuck a few containers in my purse as we headed out the door for dinner at a family-style restaurant. After my daughter solved the crossword puzzle on her kids menu and my son broke every crayon that came with his menu, they started to get antsy. The whining, fighting, slipping under the table and crying became unbearable. I whipped out the containers of Play-Doh from my purse and like magic. Peace was restored at our table.
My kids made animals, letters, rolled balls and snakes. As it turns out, I can make a great looking Play-Doh hamburger! Each kid (and adult) was happy with their little ounce of Play-Doh. When dinner arrived, everyone cheered. I think I may have cheered the loudest though because clean-up was a breeze.
As my daughter says, “Easy, breezy, lemon-squeezy!” From now on, I think I’m going to keep a couple of the small containers in my purse. Restaurants, doctor offices, grocery shopping…who knows when those containers will come in handy!
Aracely@daytrippingmom.com
Friday 29th of January 2010
What a great idea! I also have a love/hate relationship with play-doh. I have a pack of the 1oz deals I found at target and I'm going to throw a couple in my purse. Love that clean up was a zinch!
Trixi
Wednesday 27th of January 2010
your sister sounds really smart :) I think moms have some sort of untapped premonition that makes them stick random toys and mints in their purses for just such moments!
Terri
Tuesday 26th of January 2010
What a great idea! We tend to go to the same places and the word search tends to lose it's appeal the 5th time you do it. I love the idea of play doh on someone else's table. Thanks!