5 Amazing Benefits of Painting for Toddlers Every Parent Should Know

The Amazing Benefits of Painting for Toddlers on www.artsyfartzy.com

Do you dread painting with your toddler? I get it, it can get really messy, but there are some great ways to make it easier. And there are definitely amazing benefits of painting for toddlers that may change your mind about going for it.

As a mom of 3 with another on the way, I’ve had my share of messes. But a planned mess can take on a whole new meaning.

In my experience as an art teacher, I appreciate the physical, educational, and intrinsic benefits of painting for children. I can’t say enough good things about doing art with your children.

So, just in case you need convincing keep reading for 5 amazing benefits of painting for toddlers and stay around for my quick list of tips to make painting with your kids easier.

Toddler Painting of home

1) Developing Motor Skills

It may look like your little one is just scribbling away with paintbrushes, but they are working on their developing motor skills. Learning to paint well is one of the most effective–and fun–ways for your kids to work on their hand-eye coordination. 

Painting is one of the more technical art forms, and as your toddler tries to do it right, they fine-tune their motor skills. Using a paintbrush or small tool helps develop fine motor skills (small muscle control). While making broad strokes on large sheets of paper or at an easel supports large muscle control development (gross motor skills).

2) Brain Development 

When your kids are younger, they are at their most impressionable, and you can teach them just about anything. One of the benefits of painting for toddlers is that it hones creativity. If you teach your kids how to paint, they can learn to exercise the right side of their brain where creativity stems from. 

Creative skills are easily some of the most essential skills for your children to have these days. Future employers are looking for problem solvers and creative thinkers. There is a definite benefit of painting for toddlers by helping your child become a well-rounded person.

3) Problem Solving

When your kids make a mistake while painting, they have no one to blame but themselves. One of the benefits of painting for children is the opportunity to accept and learn from the mistakes and challenges. Often painters need to adapt to missing colors, drips, and unexpected outcomes. 

Painting for toddlers is a great opportunity to build problem-solving skills. You will have a child that is more likely to think outside the box.

4) Painting for Toddlers Encourages Bonding

As I mentioned earlier, painting for toddlers is one of the best physical and mental development activities. But “you” painting with your toddler is even more beneficial. 

Whether you’re seriously working on a project or just having some fun, your children can get a chance to connect with you better. It’s an opportunity for quality time.

When painting with your children, you can teach them important cooperative skills, such as communication, sharing, working together, and taking turns. All of these skills can let your toddlers function much better when they enter school and make friends on their own.

5) Mental Health Benefits of Painting for Children

One of the amazing benefits of painting for children is that it teaches them to process emotions.

While many parents may not imagine it, their children are capable of experiencing complex emotions even at a very young age. However, they might not be able to communicate these emotions effectively to their parents and especially their peers.

One of the benefits of painting for toddlers is that they can find an outlet through art. Art can be a way for your kids to express and explain how they feel in the best way they know how—through pictures. 

Although you may not fully understand what your child is trying to show in a drawing it is a great conversation starter. You can learn a great deal as they explain their choices. 

Even if your child is unable to explain the choices verbally the actual process of painting is therapeutic. Painting draws focus away from everything else. It allows the mind and body to relax.

Honestly, I recommend painting to everyone for its mental health benefits.

Toddler Painting Tip, use washable paint

Quick Tips on Painting for Toddlers

  • Let your child paint naked in her pullup. I would get a large piece of paper for my toddler to finger paint on and then simply toss her into the tub after. 
  • Have your child paint outdoors. Placing an easel outside is a great way to protect your home from messes. If the area or easel gets messy you can always use the hose to rinse it off.
  • Use washable paint. Tempera paint is washable but there are specially formulated washable tempera paints, but still be warry of staining from magenta, black, and dark blue.
  • Designate painting clothes. After having multiple children, we have learned the importance of play clothes. Take away the laundry stress with outfits you don’t mind getting stains. It’s also a great idea to have clothes your child wears to school on art day.

Final Thoughts on Painting for Toddlers

I hope you see the benefits of painting for toddlers and are willing to give it a try. Your child’s development is SO worth it.

And yes, art comes with some messes.

But try not to sweat the small stuff. If your child getting a little painty is the worst part of your day, then you are doing pretty well.

Chances are you were going to need to give your little a bath anyway—right?!

If you are willing to try to do more art with your toddler, please check out these fall art projects and these super easy winter art projects for kids.

You’ve got this momma—get art-tastic.

Benefits of Painting for Children
Toddler boy painting while using painting with toddlers tips and tricks
Painting for Toddlers benefits include the ability to express ideas visually like this child's illustration of a home
Painting for Toddlers Tips on The artsyfartzy Experience blog

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