Blowing Bubbles

It’s no wonder Glenda the Good traveled by bubble! I can think of very few things not GOOD about bubbles. They might be a little messy at times and they don’t last very long, but they are so GRAND in their fragility. Bubbles are a beautiful analogy for life itself. And frankly, I believe they can change the world. They certainly have the power to change mine.

Here’s the very first thing about bubbles. You have to breathe to blow them. You have to take. The. Time. To. Breathe. In life we don’t always take time to breathe, but blowing bubbles makes us slow down and focus on the very basic act of controlling our breath. It is common knowledge that controlled breathing reduces stress and increases quality of life. Granted, soap bubbles are not needed to perform breathing exercises, but they certainly add a beautiful aesthetic to the experience that may also bring some stress relief to those around us.

When we age, too many of us forget the value of the bubble. We have too many other things to consider and accomplish; but really, what is more important than joy? I’m telling you…bubbles equal joy! Think of the last time you broke out the bubble wand yourself. I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to be surrounded by young children nearly all the time. I can go from being plain old me to an instrument of wonder and happiness by simply wielding the flimsiest bits of plastic, dipping it in the cheapest of solutions and just breathing.

It is highly probably that joy is the reason bubbles are one of the best teaching tools EVER.

• Bubbles are a calm reward for a job well done
• Bubbles are an amazing distraction for grouchy afternoons (good vibes for kiddos AND their adults).
• Bubbles are a math tool that you actually get to POP!
• Bubbles are an energy release. Encourage your little friends to JUMP to catch the bubbles. How many can they pop with their NOES, ELBOWS or TUMMY? Can they STOMP the bubbles?
• Bubbles can help teach language skills and social skills. Children should make polite requests using eye contact, take turns, be patient and learn how to handle anticipation in an appropriate manner.
• And of course I can’t ignore one of my favorite life skills, SWIMMING. Bubbles are the building block of learning to swim. SafeSplash Swim School recommends all caregivers encourage kiddos to put their faces in the water and start blowing bubbles at the earliest of ages. Even babies are happy to mimic this process because blowing bubbles is funny and within reach of any skill set. Another bubble activity of a different kind is great for getting children used to feeling comfortable floating on their backs. Having soap bubbles blown in the air is a great distraction that encourages kids and babies alike to look up, and put their heads back. This in turn allows the body to float naturally.

Because I consider bubble blowing another valuable life skill, and bubbles should NEVER be a source of frustration for children, I want to share some bubble blowing tips from Mommy Speech Therapy’s blog:

When your child blows bubbles through a wand watch the shape of their lips. If they are round, great! If they are more on the flat side try squeezing their cheeks forward to get their lips in the right position. If this doesn’t work try having them wrap their lips around a wide straw (McDonald’s straws work great) that has been cut to about 2″ in length, then with their lips around the straw have them blow the bubbles through the wand. The straw positions their lips into the correct posture for blowing.

Now I think it’s time to share my recipe for giant homemade bubbles. Click on the bubble to download this easy, quick recipe!

With bubble solution ready, some fun and crafty bubble activities are in order! Keep in mind that bubble wands and other types of bubble makers should be wet to blow better bubbles and don’t shake bubbles because foamy bubble solution can lead to sudsy bubbles:

• You have to check out these bubble snakes
• For an indoor activity while you are waiting for the sun to come out you can make these:
• Get science minded and experiment with huge bubbles or create glow in the dark bubbles by cutting a non-toxic glow stick and mixing it into a bottle of bubbles.

My hope is that no matter what age you happen to be, you take the time to blow some bubbles and appreciate the many beauties of these fleeting, floating wonders.