Got little kids at home and ready to dye Easter eggs? There are a few things to keep in mind that will make painting eggs with toddlers and preschoolers easier and more fun for everyone.
Coloring Easter eggs with toddlers and preschoolers
Easter is a fun and colorful time for little ones to explore. Dyeing Easter eggs is a tradition in many families and a definite favorite among the younger crowd! Toddlers are still developing dexterity, so there are a few simple but important things to remember before you sit down to paint eggs with them.
If you have older kids or are looking for unique ways to decorate eggs yourself, you might like ours 7 great ways to decorate Easter eggs post
10 tips for dyeing Easter eggs with younger children
- Cover the table with a plastic sheet as well as something absorbent, such as paper towels or newspaper. Taping the edges of the tablecloth under the table will ensure that they don’t accidentally pull the cloth – and everything with it – off the table.
- Make sure children wear aprons or aprons to protect their clothes from stains.
- Heavier dishes are best for dyeing eggs. They won’t tip as easily as a paper cup or plastic bowl. If using glasses or cups, make sure they are wide and deep enough to accommodate a whisk (see tip #7!).
- Keep things simple. Older children will enjoy designs and more complex decorations, but little ones are fascinated by the colors that develop. This is also a great time to talk about secondary colors, like mixing red and blue to make purple.
- Yes, dye white eggs as well as brown eggs! The results will be both bright and more natural-looking colors.
- You don’t need expensive paint kits. Food coloring and a little vinegar and water work great. Use one tablespoon of white vinegar to one cup of water and a few drops of food coloring, depending on the color you want to achieve. Four to five drops will give you light pastels, while 10-12 drops will result in more vibrant colors.
- Use a whisk to dip your eggs. Simply push the boiled egg between the whisk wires until it sits inside. Kids can easily dip the egg into the paint as well as pull it out without dropping it in the process. An ice cream scoop or pasta server also works great for lifting eggs from the dye.
- Dry your eggs sideways in an egg carton or cut an “X” on the back of a cereal box and press the cutouts in until they comfortably hold the eggs upright.
- Never leave your child unattended, primarily for safety reasons. Kids are curious and it only takes him seconds to spill a batch of red paint on your carpet!
- If you want to color several eggs at once or have a group of children, try using large containers such as loaf pans or pots instead of individual cups. This will allow you to paint several eggs at once.
The most important tip of all is to relax and have FUN. You are making wonderful memories with your children, so enjoy and Happy Easter!
More Easter fun with kids
This post originally appeared here on April 19, 2014.
