Decorating with Kids

As a parent who was once a teacher I feel all the pulls to decorate with my son. It’s hard sometimes to remember that he is just only over one, so there isn’t a ton he can do.

We decorated for Fall/Halloween at the end of October. It was a fun memory together I used Saran Wrap on his tray for his high chair and then just gave him paper cut outs of pumpkins to decorate with paint pens (kid safe) and then with actual paint.

It went over well until he decided to lick one of the paint pens…that was far from delightful! Yet, he had so much fun and there was so much joy during his art time!

I know some parents shy away from arts and crafts and decorating with littles because it can be MESSY!!!

From experience I can tell you that this may be the case! Yet, learning and developing is so important with littles! It is so important for them to experience different textures and to get hands on experience with their parents/caregivers on helping to decorate.

Here are some tips on decorating with little ones!

• Have all supplies ready before you begin, including clean up supplies!
• Cut out all shapes beforehand for extra little ones!
• Use paint pens from Crayola as they are great for clean up and do not cause as much of a mess as paint brushes.
• Only use paint that is safe for little ones, if your babe might have a chance of putting it in their mouth make sure it’s safe…or make it yourself!
• Base activities and decorating on their fine motor skills! (If they can rip paper, then do that! If they can cut it then let them!)
• Give them options. Do not only give them one color to choose from! They should be able to explore!
• If you do not like messes, maybe try one craft or decoration at a time. If you’re overwhelmed, chances are no one will have fun!
• Let them explore!!!!