One of the only things I truly love about “hallmark” holidays is that they instantly create a reason to spend time together. I don’t so much care about the buying of expensive gifts, sending bouquets of flowers, or going out on a fancy date. However, I do like that a holiday like Valentine’s Day, gives us as moms a legit reason to sit down with our kids and get creative.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, you can take advantage of Valentine’s Day and make it a special time of creating with your kiddos!
Here are a few tips to make creating with your kids simple and meaningful this Valentine’s Day and all year long.
Keep it simple.
If getting creative with your kiddos on the regular feels overwhelming here is the best advice. Keep. It. Simple. Don’t let yourself fall down the rabbit hole of Pinterest art projects and ideas. There is a time and a place for Pinterest. As an art studio owner, I love a good Pinterest board. However, it can quickly become overwhelming.
If you feel stuck when it comes to spending time creating with your kids… focus on the basic art of coloring!
Even for moms who don’t think of themselves as “artsy” coloring is an activity, anyone, at any age and any skill level can enjoy. Spending time with your child coloring is the perfect way to sit down with them to connect, talk, and relax.
The simplicity of spending time together coloring will make it easy to decide what to do. All you need is a colorful set of pens, crayons, or markers, and paper. Start a new tradition this year with your kids… simply color!
Invest in a few special art supplies.
Do you own a fun set of markers, pens, colored pencils, or gel pens? Purchasing a special set that is only used for your coloring time together creates a special excitement when it is time for coloring with mom. Plus this ensures the supplies will be available and not lost when you are ready to color! Find a special bin or box to keep your coloring supplies in and store them in a spot where only you can access them. Of course, kids should have access to their own supplies as well, but this is a special set that is only enjoyed together with you. This way you can help younger kids learn to treat more expensive supplies with care. Your kids will look forward to using these unique supplies during your time together.
You can create a new tradition with your child that can last into adulthood!
There is no shame in coloring in the lines.
Don’t think you are cutting corners by simply coloring on a printed page in a coloring book.
The benefits of coloring for both children and adults are numerous.
Serotonin is released when we color. This release promotes mental wellbeing. Studies have shown it can alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression. Also, the completion of a simple coloring page can promote self-confidence and focus. The act of coloring “opens up your frontal lobe, which controls organizing and problem solving, and allows you to put everything else aside and live in the moment, generating focus.” (www.beaumont.org) Picking up a marker and focusing on coloring in the line also helps develop fine motor skills in young children. Improved vision can also be a positive side effect from taking time to color.
Invest in some adult coloring books and find fun printable coloring sheets on this website. You can find a coloring book of designs, animals, gardens or find a coloring page for almost any interest your child might have.
Simply taking a few minutes to color with your child each week is a great way to engage with them. It allows for both of you to relax and chat casually.
Below are some fun coloring printables for easy mess-free valentines that anyone can have success at! Plus, click here for blank cards that are perfect for gluing your printed and colored Valentine printables onto! Then spend time writing notes to family, friends & neighbors to be delivered on Valentine’s Day.
Invest in a few supplies and let coloring be a new part of your creative side with your children now and for years to come!
