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Hi everyone! Your going to want to Pin this post today! It’s all about how I manage to pull off painting with my 4 young children! I first started painting with my children (now ages 6, 5, 3 and 22 months) when my oldest two daughters were ages 3 and 4 years old. I’ll be totally honest with you, in the beginning, when I was new to the painting routine, I’d break out in an actual sweat.
But, somehow I was convinced there was a way to paint with children and I was determined to find it. I was also convinced it would be good for them. Through the last few years, I have found a way and I have also seen how allowing them to express themselves creatively has given them confidence and a special way to look at the world.While I haven’t mastered the ability to completely avoid any paint-related chaos, the experience of painting with them through the years has still given me some insight. And today, I’d like to share that with you. Hopefully these tips will help you to enjoy the process and continue to encourage your little artists to blossom.
Here are some examples of what your child’s artwork may look like based on his or her age:
2. Remember that it’s going to be a mess. No matter how much you prepare, paint will more than likely end up somewhere you don’t want it. So, paint in a place like on the kitchen tile floor, or on an old table, where you won’t mind a spill or smudge as much. A major thing that helps me keep messes under control is this: Ahead of time, I wet wash rags or sponges in the sink, ring them out and have them ready to wipe tiny hands that look messy with paint. I also wipe up any spills that could spread as soon as I spot them. Having the wet rags ready really helps.
3. Have the children wear old clothes if you don’t have smocks. Consider turning the clothing inside out while painting as another protective measure.
4. Make sure to use kid friendly paints and brushes purchased in the kid’s art supply section of your craft store. As much as I like a bargain, I suggest you avoid paints from dollar stores, even when they say kid friendly.
5. Paint at a time of the day when the kids are not tired or hungry, like right after breakfast or right after a snack in the afternoon, post nap time. Forcing-out the painting session will just make everyone grumpy and it won’t be fun for anyone!
6. Frame your child’s artwork after they finish and the painting is dry. Hang the artwork in your house! If your child sees you love what they do, you’re fostering a sense of confidence in their work.
7. Play some music! If it won’t stress you out too much to have something else going on, put on some relaxing tunes. Research shows that playing classical music while painting stimulates creativity. You’ll be creating a routine your children will remember for years to come!
Enjoy and go for it! Your little artist is sure to thank you for it.
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I know what you mean about breaking out in a sweat! I still do whenever Claire asks and I have been doing this painting thing for 10 years!! OK maybe more like 9, but who’s counting.
Also, love the idea of playing music while they are painting. I don’t know why I’ve never done that. It makes so much sense!
Thanks for the advice!
Very good tips Caroline! Thanks for sharing! loved the pics!