Well, we’re one week into our summer routine, and I’m already wondering if products of this sort might have similar effects on children:
I know it says “Just for cats” and all… but you never know. And, besides, these say they are “all natural” which always means the product is “totally safe.”
In all seriousness, it has become apparent that I’m going to have to get my game plan together in order to ensure a safe and sane summer around here. Last week, in a matter of hours, I had to pull out not one but both of the “P’s”: paint and play-doh. And, it wasn’t even June yet.
The good news is… I’ve decided to relax a bit and try to enjoy the arts and crafts part of the summer routine. I used to love to color and paint. But, then when I had children I gradually started viewing those activities as entertainment for them while I tended to more “serious” matters.
But, you know what? Sometimes the art-making is the serious matter. And, it’s incredibly refreshing.
While the girls do play-doh, I’ve been working on learning how to paint on wood. Turns out, it’s far more difficult and time-consuming than I imagined. But, summer is a good time to take on a challenge. I thought we could start with some wall art for the Toddler’s room. I think the poetry suits her pretty well.
Currently, the preferred medium for this crew seems to be watercolors.
And, the 1st Grader takes the business of painting with utmost seriousness. She’s undoubtedly a first-born.
I decided to join in on one of the watercolor sessions, too. I entitled this one, “Going Bananas.”
The title says a lot about how our afternoon was going. It also says a lot about how I really feel in the moment when everyone is home {all day} and I’m trying to figure out some form of calm, quiet entertainment for all of us. It’s only late at night in retrospect that I can sit down and type this out and post pictures that make it look like we had a serene day. That is not the case.
I’m just hoping we can find enough down time this month and next to create a regular routine of getting the paint and markers and clay and whatever else out and just creating something for the sheer fun of it. I think it might be good for all of us.
As was once wisely observed:
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