Painting Time

You wouldn't think painting at the table would be a real active activity, but it is... if you're the parent.

First there's the gathering of supplies and getting the kids ready (changing them into suitable painting gear). Then the painting begins.

Here's what happens to me. The kids tell me what colors they want and I squirt the paint onto their aluminum foil pallet. When they're ready for a new color, I give them a new squirt of paint and give them a new paint brush then go over to the sink to rinse and dry the old one to be used next time a change of color is needed. With two children who like to change colors often, there's quite a bit of back and forth running. Then of course there's the occasional painted finger or arm that needs to be wiped.

After the kids are finished, it's time to clean up and keep an eye on them at the same time. But in the end it's all worth it to see the happiness they get from this activity, especially when Mommy is involved.