On Painting with a Toddler for the first time…

SUPPLIES:

1. Crayola Washable Finger Paint
2. Plastic drop cloth, cut to appropriate sizes, covering table and carpet under table
3. lots of paper
4. painters tape to hold the paper down and come off easily later—and to use to hang on the walls, above the toddler’s reach while the paintings dry!
5. 1 eager toddler
6. 1 game mama
7. shower, soap, washcloth

Do choose a time when you are refreshed, slept well the night before and have a little space in your life for a messy adventure—It will be an adventure!Start small.  Try one color of paint at a time, as your toddler may not be sure what to think about the whole thing. 

If they get upset about getting their hands dirty, distract them with a new color.

In no time at all they will be demanding more paint. 

(It will be helpful if your toddler can follow commands, such as “Stay on the chair. ”) But just in case, cover all accessible areas in plastic.    This will become necessary when your toddler moves through the tentative stage and into the crazy stage.Watch the fun bloom….And DO take time to enjoy the squeals of enjoyment….Be amazed at the transformation 15 minutes can make to a toddler with access to paint!

When the fun is done, DO go straight to the shower! DON’T touch anything on the way!Do take pictures….you never know when you might get some good blackmail material for later!