Hellobee Boards

I agree completely! We stick to things like playdoh, stickers, markers/crayons, and painting but only when I can bring the easel outside and let him paint without worrying about it. DS also likes when I make things out of those bending sticks so we do that sometimes too.

Remember it's about the process not the product. The benefit is in the painting and the feeling of the textures and the seeing cause and effect, and the final product doesn't matter at all, nor does it matter if they do it "right". Maybe invite him to do the craft while you do, and casually make your own while you wait for him to join you. You may both enjoy it more if it isn't forced. I love art projects but lo really doesn't yet. I try every once in a while but I don't ever force it. If he isn't into it we just do something else

@Mrs. Sketchbook: Drawing for your kids is a no no? Oops, we used to do that all the time!! I always figured it was like reading: kids can't do it at first, but if you make it fun then they want to do it more!

We had a lot of luck with sensory experiences early on, like mixing the ingredients for playdough. We made homemade apple chips, and the kids absolutely loved that too!

@Mrs. Sketchbook: also, coloring books aren't developmentally appropriate for young kids. They are better off with blank paper. Maybe you could get a giant roll of craft paper and roll some out on the floor with some crayons. Then just let him go to town and I don't think there is anything wrong with drawing for them. It sounds like modeling to me...like he wants to see you do it so that he has the confidence to try it himself. I think what you may be thinking of is that it can be a problem when parents take over their kids art projects so that the product looks good rather than letting them make it their own and experience the process.

@Mrs. Sketchbook: interesting! I can see that from an art perspective I guess but I don't know if I would want to take it that far. I know that sometimes kids will get frustrated and feel like they aren't doing it right if theirs doesn't look like yours, but I guess I would think you could just take it on a case by case basis? I do like the idea of drawing together. So if he asks to draw Daniel tiger, maybe ask him what parts to draw and take turns. So maybe you draw his body and then lo draws his ears and then you draw his tail and so on? I don't know...I'm totally making this up haha

My LO didn't like crafting at home with me until she was closer to 2.5.

@wonderstruck: Oh that's a great point about art in the bathtub! Our kids love to paint in the bathtub with shaving cream. Sometimes we drop a little food coloring in there which the kids love (although we also stained our tiles once, so you have to be careful).

But even just painting with white shaving cream is a big hit with both kids! Then we just hose it all down for cleanup.

@mrbee: I draw for my LO and It doesn't seem to discourage her or prevent her from drawing her own pics.

Reading this stressed me out! I would stop doing things that have a "right" way. We just get art supplies out and play; I want him to have a joy for creating. I've never read or heard that it's bad to drAw for your kids; read the Article but don't plan to stop unless it seems to cause stress.

We haven't tried using glue yet and usually do paint in the tub or outside. Crayons and dry erase crayons on blank paper are fun for both of us! So are pipe cleaners, poms, and stickers.

Bottom line if you're frustrated I'm sure he picks up on that and it makes it less fun for both of you. Maybe seek out an art class or something when he is older so the mess isn't your problem?

It definitely depends on the kid. Just like adults, some kids are really into arts/crafts, and some just aren't. Every kid can enjoy arts/crafts though. The key is letting go of your expectations--let your little one explore & learn. There will always be some projects your LO is totally into & some they couldn't care less about.

Also, as hard as it sounds, it will be way more enjoyable for both of you if you don't worry so much about the mess. If you're worried about the table, buy a big role of kraft paper to cover it. I also always keep wipes and a hand towel on the table when we're using paint or other messy stuff. I can wipe her hands real quick before we head to the sink.

We're working on a letter of the week project right now, so we do an activity every day, which means my house basically gets destroyed every day...

I have done lots of art projects at home and we repeat the successful ones. Finger painting is a BIG FAT PAIN in our house because she wants to do it but then, as soon as her hands are messy, she wants to wash them. And repeat 4,000x. I try to encourage arts and crafts that she enjoys like glue and paper scraps, play doh and coloring. My daughter is 28 months.

@scg00387: I agree - I got stressed out reading this, too!! I figure there are no real "rules" when it comes to art.
@photojane: she's going to get brushes for Christmas so we will try that soon!

@scg00387: We do "structured" art projects/crafts, and Sadie and I both enjoy it. I guess having a teaching background, I realize that it will never go as planned, so I start with no expectations! While I am totally for creative expression, and we do lots of "freestyle" art, I do think there's a lot of benefit in doing some projects that require toddlers to follow directions.

@Smurfette: these are my favorite: http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Washable-Kids-Paint-Bottles/dp/B00004UBH3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412185823&sr=8-2&keywords=crayola+paint. Super washable! I can do clean up quick with just a baby wipe.

There's no right way to do art at this age! He still has to learn what all these things do, even if he is starting to figure out that paint is supposed to go on paper : ) I still have a hard time not grabbing paint away from my 22 month old when he starts making a giant mess, but trying to remind myself that as long as it's safe and washable, it's ok

Maybe your LO would be more into different types of activities. My LO loves to bake and cook, so we do more of that than art because it holds his attention longer. For art, I keep things simple otherwise the prep and clean up take longer than LO actually enjoyed everything.

Have you tried chalk paint? We love it because it's simple, but fun and easier to clean compared to regular paint. Mix up water, cornstarch, and food coloring. You can paint on cement and just hose off. You can also use it to paint on paper.