In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon oil. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want colorful clay. Work together to combine the two mixtures, then you can cook it over medium to low heat, stirring until it feels like mashed potatoes. Let it cool before you touch it and then knead the mixture a little. Store your dough in a covered container.
Many children like to get their hands into modeling dough.
Pounding on dough can even help on a day when your child is feeling angry.