How to Help a Toddler Finger Paint

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They love the feel of gooey paint oozing between their fingers. They like to watch different designs develop on the paper. Most of them also like the mess that comes with finger painting. And yet a lot of caregivers never introduce the art of finger painting to toddlers or young children because they fear the disastrous mess it will leave. However, if you follow these tips your toddler will have a blast and you won’t mind the small amount of prep and cleanup involved.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Large plastic bib or paint smock
Highchair
Easel
Finger paint
Chocolate pudding
Shaving cream
Glossy paper
Newspaper
Tape

Step1

Put a large plastic bib or paint smock on your toddler. Make sure he is wearing clothes that can get dirty.

Step2

Set her up in her highchair. Tape the glossy paper to the highchair tray. Be sure she is safely seated, and explain to her how she will use her hands and fingers to make pictures on the paper.

Step3

Drop a dollop of paint, pudding or shaving cream in the center of the glossy paper and let him go at it. You may need to encourage him to begin, but once he understands it is OK to get his hands dirty and smudge the paper he won’t want to stop.

Step4

Set up an easel. If she needs to be on a stool or chair be sure you are next to her so she does not fall. Attach the glossy paper to the easel and set your toddler up so she can easily reach the paper. Smudge some paint, pudding or shaving cream on the paper and let her explore the possibilities. Encourage her to be creative and enjoy the experience.

Step5

Line a table with newspaper. Tape the glossy paper to the newspaper and set your toddler up so he can easily reach the glossy paper. Drop a blob of paint, pudding or shaving cream on the paper and watch his reaction. If he is hesitant, explain to him that he is to use his hands and fingers to create a painting. Guide his hands with yours to get him started, and then step back.

Step6

Know that cleanup is a snap when you properly prepare the surface and the toddler. Before you let her down, remove the painting and set it somewhere out of her reach to dry. Remove her bib/smock, pick her up and carry her to the sink. Wash her hands and any other area that needs to be cleaned. Dry her off and quickly remove the newspaper from the table if that’s the method you used. Wipe down the painting surface. You have just accomplished an easy, fairly tidy way to help a toddler finger paint.