Fun with Paint!

 

Usually, during the winter months, I bundle the kids up and take them outside to play for a while. The amount of time we spend outside would vary depending on their age. The older they got, the more time we would play outside. As much as I am a firm believer in spending time outside no matter what the season, sometimes it is just too cold or rainy to go outside to play. 

One of my favorite activities on cold, rainy winter days was to finger paint with the boys. I would cover the kitchen table with old newspaper, or you can purchase a cheap vinyl-lined tablecloth. I love how easy they are to clean. Just get a wet sponge or paper towel and wipe it down when you are done.

I always made sure I had large poster-size craft paper, construction paper, or drafting paper for the kids to draw or paint on. Another fun option is to use plain white paper plates. Just make sure they are not wax-coated. I would usually make a trip to the craft store twice a month with my boys to pick up supplies. While there, I would pick up finger paint, and yes, you can pick up paint specifically made for finger painting.

Sometimes, I would take out sponges I had cut up or let them use a paintbrush, and sometimes, I would let them paint sticks or leaves we found outside. 

Activities like this are so important for a child's developmental growth. Finger painting is a sensory craft that teaches children about their sense of touch and smell. The feel of the paint between their fingers, the smell of it, and the feel of the paper as they work on their little masterpieces enhance their sensory and developmental growth. 

I loved watching their little faces as they rubbed the paint over their fingers and hands, connecting with the feel of the paint. My youngest never liked the feel of the paint on his hands, which, in my eyes, made it so much more important that he experienced it. I never made the kids only use their fingers; I gave them options, but I did want them to try it.

Never force a child to do something they do not like or are not ready to do. That will never end well. Crafts are supposed to be an enjoyable experience. Something fun to do.

Afterward, the boys would help clean up. Remember, only if it is an age-appropriate thing to do. Sometimes, they wanted to help clean up. Sometimes, they were already on the next thing. One thing I made sure of, though, was that they were clean enough to leave the table. 

At the end of the day, after bathing and cleaning, I would ask them what the best part of the day was. I liked to ask them what their favorite part of the activity was and what they would change or do differently next time. Make learning fun! Remember, enjoy the chaos, enjoy the mess. I promise it won't last, and when it's gone, you'll wish for these days back.

Enjoy the Moments, Cherish the Memories!

Until Next Time - Cynthia