Embracing The Mess
Why Painting Has Become Our Family’s Favorite Creative Outlet
Getting ready to paint with toddlers isn’t always easy. There’s the mess, the time it takes to set up, and yes, the ✨ frustration ✨ that sometimes creeps in even before I get the paints ready. But every time we start painting together, all those worries melt away, replaced by laughter, curiosity, and a little bit of chaos that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Painting has become a favorite activity in our household. It’s more than just a way to pass the time; it’s a joyful and meaningful way to connect, learn, and grow together. Here’s why this creative activity has won over our hearts:
1. Creative Expression: Seeing the World Through Their Eyes
One of the most beautiful things about painting with my kids is watching them express themselves through colors, shapes, and textures. Toddlers don’t have filters or artistic “rules” yet, which means they explore and create with total freedom. Valletta, who’s still getting the hang of paintbrushes, loves using stamp shapes to make her mark on the canvas. For her, it’s a new way to express herself, even if it means we’re stamping more than painting at times!
2. Building Fine Motor Skills
It’s amazing to see the development that happens with just a simple paintbrush in hand. As they dip, dab, and swirl, they’re building hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Arbela, our oldest, is starting to hold her paintbrush with such precision, and I can tell she’s getting better every time. Holding that brush, working with colors, and filling the page has become her little challenge—and she’s always up for it!
3. Learning Colors and Boosting Cognitive Development
Painting also brings learning opportunities to the table. As we paint, we talk about colors and what happens when we mix them. Valletta loves this part and spends as much (if not more) time mixing colors as she does actually painting! Mixing colors teaches them about cause and effect, and it’s so rewarding to watch them learn as they play.
4. The Realities of Setup and Cleanup
Of course, getting everything ready for a painting session feels like a production in itself—between choosing brushes, setting out water cups, and laying down enough paper to protect the table, I sometimes wonder if it’s worth it! And the cleanup? Let’s just say our kitchen floor has seen better days. But once we get started, all those little frustrations fade, and I’m reminded why we love this activity so much.
5. Focus and Concentration: A Moment of Quiet Joy
Painting has also given our girls a chance to slow down and focus. For a few minutes, they’re absorbed in their art, channeling their energy into their “masterpieces.” In those precious moments, they’re building patience and learning the value of sticking with a project until it’s done. And while they’re entertained, I can usually squeeze in a quick chore or feed the baby—double win!
6. Emotional Growth and Sweet Moments of Kindness
Beyond the fun and skill-building, painting has given my girls a way to bond as sisters. Lately, I’ve noticed my eldest daughter being extra kind and encouraging, often telling her younger siblings, “That looks good, Mama.”, “I like that colour, I do.”, “You did a good job Etta.” It’s incredibly sweet to watch her cheer them on and see how they both include their little baby sister in the experience, even though she can’t paint on her own yet. Moments like these remind me why I love painting with them so much.
A Little Encouragement to Other Parents
So if you’re hesitating to let your little ones loose with paint, just know: it’s never picture-perfect, but it’s always worth it for those little smiles and sweet memories. The mess? Totally manageable. The memories? Priceless.
By the end of each session, I feel happy, relaxed, and proud of how well they all work together. It’s a reminder of the small but meaningful ways they’re growing—not only in creativity but also in kindness, patience, and teamwork. So here’s to embracing the mess and diving into the magic of painting together. After all, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than with a little paint, a lot of love, and endless creativity.
