Let Them Paint! – Why Messy Painting is Worth Your Clean-up Efforts

Do you avoid giving your child paints because you just don’t have the time for clean-up? Or are you worried that your kid will transform your walls into Jackson Pollock paintings? Well, let me ease your fears and give some suggestions about easy paint clean-up. But first –

WHY SHOULD YOU LET YOUR CHILD PAINT MORE OFTEN?

• Painting puts your child “in the zone” and helps them stay in the present. It’s a simple, accessible way to practice mindfulness.
• Painting gives you and your child connection time. Helping to open bottles or squeeze paints, assisting in washing brushes or simply talking with them as they work are all ways in which you can spend time together.
• Painting provides teaching moments. From naming colours or types of brush strokes to showing examples of famous artists who work in your child’s art style, painting can be educational as well.
• Painting encourages experimentation as in color mixing, for example.
• Painting helps your child learn how to work with and fix mistakes.
• Painting is de-stressing.
• Painting provides opportunities for sensory play.
• Painting gives a sense of accomplishment.
• Painting is FUN!

HELPFUL TIPS FOR MESSY PAINTING CLEAN-UP

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• Flatten cardboard boxes and use them as shields to protect walls.
• Use trash bags to protect the floor. We do this every time we travel so that Adèle can continue painting wherever she wants. Once the painting sessions is complete, just recycle the trash bag.
• Repurpose egg cartoons and disposable plates by using them as pallets or paint containers. Recycle them right after the painting session.
• Use spill-proof paint cups:
• If possible, paint outside near a faucet.
• Use washable paints. Here are our favourite eco-friendly paint kits:

• 1. Earth Paint Kit – made with natural earth pigments, organic corn starch and tree sap, they are easily washable with water.
  2. Glob All Natural Paint Kits – These are powders that you mix with water. They are made from fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices and wash off in a way food does.
  3. Wee Can Too Original Natural Finger paint ‘Tottle Set” – Made from gluten free, organic vegetable powders, these paints are edible so safe for babies and toddlers.

• Transfer paint to refillable squeeze bottles to conserve paint and minimize spills. With this said, though, kids LOVE to spill paint and if yours wants to try, let them! You might just be amazed. ;)
• Use refillable dropper bottles.

What helps you with the messy paint clean-up the most? If there is something unique I should add to my list, please let me know!