Often when we begin craving a change in scenery, we find it’s more pragmatic to do a little redecorating than to sell everything and move across the ocean. So, when the urge struck I found myself making my way to the paint counter for ideas. This is when my five-year-old reminded me that he is not only aware of what’s happening around him, but he also wants (and deserves) to be involved.
Initially, I almost rejected the idea. He’s just a kid, he’ll pick terrible colors, he’ll get paint on everything BUT the wall, he’ll probably paint his whole body and then do his best impression of the Koolaid Man. These were the thoughts sneaking around my brain, which almost immediately made me sad (and were pretty unfair to my son, too). That’s when I decided to go against my gut reaction; and instead, encourage him to help me. Just like all kids have a knack for doing the most crazy and unexpected thing possible, I knew my son was about to show me something totally new. Boy, he did not disappoint.
As it turns out, inviting him to help was a wonderful experience that provided excellent benefits. I was reminded learning opportunities are everywhere (for both of us). So here’s a list of reasons why I let my son play interior decorator, and why it’s a fun and useful project for parents AND kids:
- It’s his home too. We often forget to consider our children’s preferences when it comes to visual aesthetics. We forget that maybe burnt persimmon is not a color that fills a young heart with happiness. Perhaps a cheery goldenrod might have done better.
- Make them think! Developing practices that force your child to connect with themselves and their desires on a different level, will only help them in the future. It may just be choosing between sea glass blue and ocean air blue today, but one day they will be choosing between job offers (hopefully). Wouldn’t it be nice to know that your child grew up to be an adult that truly understands themselves and their own desires. I’d kill to be like that! Instead, it takes me hours to pick which colors and shades I like best.
- Stop being a control freak! This one was for me. Let’s face it, I didn’t want him to help initially because I’m a little uptight. How lame. Relax your grip on the reigns, what’s the worst that could happen? At the end of the day, it’s just a little paint.
- It’s all about those motor skills. One of the most endearing (and hilarious) aspects of life with children is they’re about as agile as a newborn giraffe. This means that every action from holding a spoon to coloring a picture is important in helping overcome their charming clumsiness, and painting is no different.
- Be responsible. This lesson was rooted in the reasons I didn’t want him to help in the first place. I know I can’t be the only one who immediately envisioned a full bucket of paint overturned on the floor. My argument here is that it’s never too early to start learning a little responsibility, As a result, my son had fun but proceeded with caution and it turned out great!
- Pride in the job. My little boy got to feel his heart flutter with a modest swell of self-pride, all because he got to help. He was proud of the result and that he had taken part in the planning, as well as the actual painting. He also realized that by giving him the responsibility, I was trusting him.
- Last but not least, its a freaking blast! Painting is FUN for kids and therefore full of potential laughs for those that love them.
Maybe I’m crazy but I think allowing his help on this project was one of those rare parenting moments when his dad and I knew we had knocked it out of the park. Not only was this an eye-opening experience for all of us, but it was incredibly fun! The house was full of giggles while we worked, and appreciative coos after we finished. Now for all future projects, we can all plan and work together!