Let Your Child Paint!

Painting scares parents. It is messy for the child, the parent, and the table. But with the amazing washable paints, you can let your child paint. Painting is a great tool for children to express themselves. As they develop fine motor skills using the paint brush, they are also developing creativity and self expression. You can give your child a task to paint ("Let's paint a rainbow.") and see what they create or give them the brush and let them go. Don't forget finger paints too- messier, but more fun for the child. Not to mention, some children have to be taught it is okay to be messy! Water colors are safe alternatives, but do require a brush, which is a different type of experience than finger painting. Whatever you choose, don't direct and instruct. Children will produce what they are capable developmentally. And if you stifle that self expression now by wanting perfect paintings, you may stifle it forever!

Two homemade alternatives to purchasing paint:
For finger paint, mix chocolate pudding with only 1/2 the amount of milk to make a finger paint type consistency. Add milk to get it to the right texture. Use finger paint paper to glide easier. This is safe for them to eat too!
Make ice paints with ice cube trays, food coloring, and water. Fill ice cube tray with water, add 3-5 drops of food coloring to each section. It has to be dark to transfer well. Mix two colors together for different colors. Allow to freeze half way and add in a tooth pick. Freeze until solid. Using on any type of paper or the sidewalk or bath (may stain the grout, so test it first).

Have fun!

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