Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>DIY Bad Tasting Play Dough
Unregistered 12:06 AM 08-04-2012
I have made my own playdough (salt dough) for a while now. However, it is just recently my kids realized that is tastes like.....salt. So now, I have been tossing a lot out because they are licking it. Asking them to pretend is not working. Is there a way to make the playdough taste bad without it being toxic or harming the child? I was going to use pepper or hot sauce, but I don't want their mouths burning.
SilverSabre25 07:19 AM 08-04-2012
My first instinct is to say that if they are that into getting the salt flavor then perhaps they are lacking salt in their diets. A proper amount of salt is necessary, crucial even, for certain things in the body. Salt is lost through sweating and since it's summer perhaps they aren't getting enough to replace it.
Second, is it *really* that horrible that they are tasting it? It's technically edible and technically doesn't even spoil, being made primarily of flour and salt. Most kids figure out eventually that it's better to play with than to eat, and since it's homemade and nontoxic I don't think you need to go to extremes to make it taste awful. Plus, you're likely to have that *one* weirdo who LIKES the awful flavor!!
Rather than doing something to make it taste bad, why don't you just continue redirecting them? Institute a "One and You're Done" rule where if they put it in their mouths ONCE they are done with the playdough for the day. Or annoy them considerably by each time you catch them putting it in their mouths they have to stop, throw away what they put in their mouth, then go wash their hands.
Second, is it *really* that horrible that they are tasting it? It's technically edible and technically doesn't even spoil, being made primarily of flour and salt. Most kids figure out eventually that it's better to play with than to eat, and since it's homemade and nontoxic I don't think you need to go to extremes to make it taste awful. Plus, you're likely to have that *one* weirdo who LIKES the awful flavor!!
Rather than doing something to make it taste bad, why don't you just continue redirecting them? Institute a "One and You're Done" rule where if they put it in their mouths ONCE they are done with the playdough for the day. Or annoy them considerably by each time you catch them putting it in their mouths they have to stop, throw away what they put in their mouth, then go wash their hands.
seebachers 07:36 AM 08-04-2012
Please do not put hot sauce in there. Can you imagine what it would be like to play with play dough and then maybe have one of the kids wipe their eyes or nose with that hand???? Not worth the liability, I would think.
My3cents 05:04 PM 08-05-2012
Redirect, or one and your done. Keep telling them we play with it we don't eat it. Normal to want to put it in their mouths. It won't hurt them, but do not alter it with things that could be considered abusive!
I have to tell my kids all the time keep it out of your mouth, we don't eat it, it doesn't really taste good. Then again they like boogers! Maybe it does taste good.
I don't think salt would be a big concern because there is so much salt in the foods that we eat. Way too much.
Best-
I have to tell my kids all the time keep it out of your mouth, we don't eat it, it doesn't really taste good. Then again they like boogers! Maybe it does taste good.
I don't think salt would be a big concern because there is so much salt in the foods that we eat. Way too much.
Best-
SilverSabre25 06:22 PM 08-05-2012
Originally Posted by My3cents:
I don't think salt would be a big concern because there is so much salt in the foods that we eat. Way too much.
Well, not in my house. I don't think salt would be a big concern because there is so much salt in the foods that we eat. Way too much.
We eat close to 100% home-cooked stuff, so there's NOT too much salt in our food. I was thinking the case could be so at the OP's home as well.
EntropyControlSpecialist 06:37 PM 08-05-2012
Some people just crave salty foods. I happen to be one of them. 
Just keep redirecting.
Just keep redirecting.
laundrymom 05:04 AM 08-06-2012
Why not add eggs, shape it boil it, and give it to them? Have them make real dough? Pasta?
My3cents 11:19 AM 08-06-2012
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
Well, not in my house. We eat close to 100% home-cooked stuff, so there's NOT too much salt in our food. I was thinking the case could be so at the OP's home as well.
Us too, but if you read labels ( I do) everything has salt in it. Drinks etc...Well, not in my house.
We eat close to 100% home-cooked stuff, so there's NOT too much salt in our food. I was thinking the case could be so at the OP's home as well.The only thing I put salt on is a baked potato and corn on the cob and I use sea salt, and that is not very often. Sometimes I don't even do that.
I understand what your saying but most likely not the issue. I think kids just like the taste of salt, think boogers. and yes eeewww
you do need some salt in your diet but not the amounts most Americans consume.
Best-
Blackcat31 12:21 PM 08-06-2012
Originally Posted by laundrymom:
Why not add eggs, shape it boil it, and give it to them? Have them make real dough? Pasta?
That is a fantiastic idea! I hate storing Play-doh anyways so if they eat it all then I don't have to worry! Why not add eggs, shape it boil it, and give it to them? Have them make real dough? Pasta?
But it is a great idea!
rich 05:56 AM 12-31-2012
For my son, adding vinegar instead of water worked. I have heard some kids like vinegar, so that might not work, I have also heard of adding the stuff you put on babies thumbs.
MarinaVanessa 08:17 AM 12-31-2012
You can try the vinegar method but I'd make sure that if the kids play with the dough and put their hands in their eyes or mouth the new ingredient won't burn. I've never tried to make playdough with vinegar so I'm not sure if that could be harmful or not. I use vinegar a lot for cleaning instead of an all purpose cleaner and never use it when the kids are around them because if they directly get it in their eyes it can burn. Not sure if that's the case if you cook it though so just check and make sure.
As the others said ... redirect redirect and redirect. If the kids are playing with the play-dough and one licks it or puts it in their mouth remove the child from the activity and redirect him/her to something else then toss the play-dough that was licked (germs). Explain that play-dough is not for tasting and germs are not for sharing so if they lick it then they can't play with it. This works for me even with my 2yo's.
As the others said ... redirect redirect and redirect. If the kids are playing with the play-dough and one licks it or puts it in their mouth remove the child from the activity and redirect him/her to something else then toss the play-dough that was licked (germs). Explain that play-dough is not for tasting and germs are not for sharing so if they lick it then they can't play with it. This works for me even with my 2yo's.
CozyHome 03:32 PM 12-31-2012
I must be really scary because when I tell my dckids not to put things in their mouth they listen. I have a koolaid playdo recipe so it smells good but in 5 years I've never had a problem with a child putting it in their mouth at all. They do mouth the toys of course, but I speak with a very stern voice when I tell them not to do something and they listen pretty well.
I agree that you shouldn't use hot sauce or anything like that or you will have some burned fingers and eyes!
I agree that you shouldn't use hot sauce or anything like that or you will have some burned fingers and eyes!
pandamom 12:51 AM 01-01-2013
there are some kids in my class that LOVE to eat homemade playdough. We have a rule that if you put playdough in your mouth, you throw away the playdough (for sanitary reasons) and you're done. They need to go an play with something else while their classmates play with playdough.
This works really well since they don't want to miss out on the fun
This works really well since they don't want to miss out on the fun
snips&snails 02:21 PM 01-01-2013
I am looking too!! There must be SOMETHING bitter yet safe to add! I am about to cut out playdough altogether because I CANNOT get them to stop lol. I have a VERY stubborn just-2 & it doesn't seem to matter how many times he is cut off he will start off the next day LICKING it I worry more about either choking or getting sick tummies from the salt
I worry more about either choking or getting sick tummies from the salt
Unregistered 03:42 PM 01-05-2015
Hi all. Redirection does not work with my special needs class, many if whom are autistic as well as having severe learning needs. Yes please, advice on bitter / unpleasant ingredients which are totally safe would be gratefully received. Thank you 
)
)
Controlled Chaos 05:55 PM 01-05-2015
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hi all. Redirection does not work with my special needs class, many if whom are autistic as well as having severe learning needs. Yes please, advice on bitter / unpleasant ingredients which are totally safe would be gratefully received. Thank you)
This is a super old thread, but I would say let them. Make it yourself and let it be ok to eat. Children with sensory issues are going to be so frustrated if they want to mouth it and can't. Sounds like a losing battle.Hi all. Redirection does not work with my special needs class, many if whom are autistic as well as having severe learning needs. Yes please, advice on bitter / unpleasant ingredients which are totally safe would be gratefully received. Thank you
)
SignMeUp 05:57 PM 01-05-2015
I keep wondering if licensing will outlaw homemade playdough, because of the salt content 
Salt is considered a poison here. But I'm not asking them
Salt is considered a poison here. But I'm not asking them
Josiegirl 03:25 AM 01-06-2015
You could also make the peanut butter playdough so it's safe for them. Just don't do it too often because of the sugar. But my dcks love it once in awhile.
Unregistered 03:18 PM 01-08-2015
Originally Posted by Controlled Chaos:
This is a super old thread, but I would say let them. Make it yourself and let it be ok to eat. Children with sensory issues are going to be so frustrated if they want to mouth it and can't. Sounds like a losing battle.
Sure, I know this thread has some history to it This is a super old thread, but I would say let them. Make it yourself and let it be ok to eat. Children with sensory issues are going to be so frustrated if they want to mouth it and can't. Sounds like a losing battle.
but it was the best source of info I could find on the web...so I guess that means that there possibly aren't any answers out there, other than make do with the status quote. Thank you so much for teplying though My concern is primarily that the salt content us high and my pupils don't all accept/tolerate drinking as much as they need to, and salt is damaging in its own right regardless of concerns over hydration levels. Anyway, this isn't the reason I posted up here...I'm trying to see if anyone knows of any such bitter sustances as an extra option.
By the way, I always make our playdough...aside from anything else, it's sooo much cheaper!!
Controlled Chaos 06:59 PM 01-08-2015
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Sure, I know this thread has some history to it but it was the best source of info I could find on the web...so I guess that means that there possibly aren't any answers out there, other than make do with the status quote. Thank you so much for teplying though
My concern is primarily that the salt content us high and my pupils don't all accept/tolerate drinking as much as they need to, and salt is damaging in its own right regardless of concerns over hydration levels. Anyway, this isn't the reason I posted up here...I'm trying to see if anyone knows of any such bitter sustances as an extra option.
By the way, I always make our playdough...aside from anything else, it's sooo much cheaper!!
I only pointed out it was an old thread, because sometimes members don't notice a post is old, and feel silly later if they respond directly to one of the older responses and that person isn't around anymore to answer Sure, I know this thread has some history to it
but it was the best source of info I could find on the web...so I guess that means that there possibly aren't any answers out there, other than make do with the status quote. Thank you so much for teplying though My concern is primarily that the salt content us high and my pupils don't all accept/tolerate drinking as much as they need to, and salt is damaging in its own right regardless of concerns over hydration levels. Anyway, this isn't the reason I posted up here...I'm trying to see if anyone knows of any such bitter sustances as an extra option.
By the way, I always make our playdough...aside from anything else, it's sooo much cheaper!!
Sorry I don't have better ideas regarding flavor. Good luck.