So happy to share this blog post I created as a Suave Kids partner. The Disney, Frozen and Star Wars trademarks are used by Unilever pursuant to a license agreement with The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.
Judah is growing up before my eyes, and I feel like right now we are in the middle of a pretty big jump from toddlerhood to full fledged big kid. I’m all kinds of emotional about it, but I also love watching him grow and bloom into the creative person that he is. Besides the usual wardrobe updates that happen with every child on a yearly basis, I have slowly started to realize that he is outgrowing much more than just shirts and pants. We recently replaced his carseat with a booster, sectional plates and mini silverware have been passed down to Kaia, and shaggy toddler hair has turned into a more mature, trendy self-styled look. Through all the changes happening around him, I feel like it’s the little ones that hit me the hardest. I know it seems silly, but as a mom I hold on to those little things for as long as I can, because the little things are what make up our life. Things like the way he says certain words, or the smell of his hair after a bath. Those things are what I love.
Speaking of the little changes that make a big impact, our most recent update is for bath time. We have always used the same baby shampoo and body wash since he was born, but being six years old I thought it was time to make the switch to something more appropriate for kids of all ages. We decided on the fun new Suave® Kids Disney Star Wars™ line, partly because he is obsessed with all things Star Wars, and partly because I am a longtime fan of the brand. Suave is the #1 kids’ haircare brand, and their head-to-toe gentle products are specially formulated for kids. I am big on saving space/minimizing bottles, and I love that these washes are 3-in-1 so I don’t have to purchase three different products for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. They smell amazing, with scents such as Hyperspace Apple, Galactic Fresh, and Tropical Storm, and the bottle art is really cool with Star Wars characters. Their collections are tear-free and dermatologist/ophthalmologist tested, and are perfect for everyday use.
Bath time itself is different this year, since each child has their own bath time instead of a shared bath. Without his sister in there taking up half the tub, Judah’s imagination can run free! He loves it, but of course I am nostalgic and each new step towards adulthood kills me a little. We have so many amazing bath time memories of the kids together, of washing their little heads, of massaging their skin, of watching them marvel at the bubbles, and of snuggling afterwards while wrapping their warm bodies in towels. Those memories are my favorite. These days he washes himself, dries himself, and styles his own hair. He used to come in to me in the mornings with a brush and ask me to brush it for him, but now I peer in from the other room, sneaking a glimpse of him using his styling gel and getting it “just right” for the day ahead. It makes me happy, but a bittersweet happiness.
On the other hand I love that he is becoming independent, and he thinks using his ocean scented Suave Kids Disney Star Wars™ Stormtrooper Styling Gel is the coolest thing ever, so I’m happy about it. I know that a lot of gels can be harsh and sticky, but this alcohol-free formula adds style without all the crunch. And you don’t have to use a ton to get your look – just one squirt is perfect.
On top of all these changes, growing up a little doesn’t mean he isn’t my baby anymore. He has a whole lot of childhood left to be his amazing, innocent and curious self. I love spending as much worthwhile time with him as I can, whether it is playing outside, cuddling up to a movie, or making our favorite crafts. We have made cloud dough as one of our favorite crafts for a few years now, and since we usually made it with his baby wash, I thought it was only fitting that we “pass the torch” on our cloud dough recipe with the new Suave® Kids Disney products.
This cloud dough only has three ingredients, and it also softens skin while being great for sensory play! Here is what you need:
- 1/3 cup Suave® Kids body wash
- 2 cups corn starch
- Gel based food coloring
To make, just mix all three ingredients up in a large bowl for 5 minutes. It will begin to come together in a soft, powdery texture when it is ready.
Once it’s ready you will need some kind of contained surface – shallow plastic tubs work well but I emptied out a wooden puzzle box with a sliding top and it worked out perfectly. Cloud dough molds to any shape you want, so it is ideal for using with cookie cutters and regular sand play toys. Judah loves the way it feels on his hands, and with the Suave® Disney Collection it has an amazing scent!
Suave Kids® Disney collection is sold at Walmart and Target stores nationwide, as well as Mass, Grocery, Drug and Value retailers.
