Written by If you have a toddler, you probably want them to be exposed to as many new creative experiences as possible. Painting is a great activity to do with toddlers because children can have a lot of fun while also learning the names of colors, the concept of shapes and the joy of self-expression. Since you’re working with paint, however, there are some general guidelines that you should follow to ensure it’s a safe, fun and rewarding experience for both of you. These are three of the most important things to consider before you set your toddler in front of a tray full of paints.
Safety First
Paints can be very dangerous. Let’s face it; children have a tendency to put things into their mouths. The unfortunate reality is that if you choose the wrong kind of paint and let your toddler play with it, they could ingest poison. One of the best safety practices that you can adopt when you want to paint with your youngster is to use tempera paint. If you’re working on a project that requires something else, check the label to see if the paint is toxic. You should also make sure that you are always watching your child and cleaning up the paint when you’re finished.
Select Appropriate Projects
As you likely already know, toddlers have limited attention spans, so you need to choose projects that will work within their abilities to concentrate. If you want your child to be able to participate, you’ll also need to pick out projects that are within their abilities. Craft projects are a great way for young children to continue to develop their fine motor skills, but toddlers have limitations. Watch for signs that your toddler is tired or distracted and ready for a snack or a nap.
Make an Appropriate Workspace
When you give your toddler paints, expect a mess. That’s why you should work outside or put down plenty of paper. In addition, have paper towels and other clean-up supplies readily available. Put your child in clothes that you don’t mind seeing ruined, and if your youngster has long hair, pull it back. You may want to put a little effort into making an art studio for your child.
Craft projects with your toddler are also a great way to bond and create something that you’ll both be able to look back on later and reminisce. They can also be a fun way to encourage your child to explore his or her creative tendencies. Planning out the project will make the experience even better for both of you.
If you’re planning on starting a new painting project, check out our selection of painting supplies and see which ones work the best for you!
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