Arts and Crafts, Your Kids, and Your Home

Get out the hose! It's time for finger paints! Does this sound like arts and crafts time in your home? I've actually heard some moms say that they strip their kiddies down to their diapers, plop them in the tub, and let them go crazy with the art supplies. While this approach may be tempting (and sounds like a ton of fun), I have a few suggestions for those of you who wish to attempt craft time in a more traditional setting, like at a table for instance. Here are some practical tips for enjoying arts and crafts time without having to turn around and find your walls permanently redecorated in your toddler's favorite primary colors:

1. Make sure that all of your crayons, markers and paints are of the washable variety. This will save you many tears and a great deal of cleaning product experimentation after craft time is over. While I always encourage the kids to color only on the paper, inevitably some of their creativity explodes off of the page and ends up on the wall, floor or table. With the washable supplies, a wet sponge makes for an easy clean-up. To further encourage some control in crafting, I have the kids make an attempt at cleaning the errant marks before I roll up my sleeves (you know the actions have consequences thing).

2. When attempting messy crafts, it's always a good idea to cover as much as the child's clothing as possible with a smock. I use one of my old button-down shirts. I put it on my child backwards and roll up the sleeves. She likes it because she thinks it's funny to wear Mommy's shirt. When we're finished, I simply toss it in the washer.

3. If you need to protect your floors, I suggest you use a big trash bag (like the kind you use for leaves in the yard). Just cut or tear it so that it opens up, and place it under your work area. Unless you have a major art attack, you should be able to fold it up and reuse it next time.

4. When my children are using paints and glue, I always portion some out on a sturdy paper plate with a good, rimmed edge. This way, their little hands can dip and smear to their hearts' content, and my original containers stay clean and safe from their inspired attempts at color mixing.