The Importance of Coloring by Amanda Allen

You remember these right?

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Hey Good Buddies!

Today let’s talk about the Importance of Coloring.
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That’s right. Coloring. The thing we make children do so we can have a moment's rest. Well, it turns out, we should be coloring too!

Here are 5 Benefits of Coloring:

• Improved fine motor skills. Want to set your toddler up for success as a writer? Build the strength and dexterity in their hands

• Increases focus. Coloring is an activity that requires children to stay on one task for a long time, maybe even three minutes! Initially, your child will not be able to maintain focus but by engaging in coloring on a regular basis they will begin to build this skill and if you join them they can learn by example!

• Enhances creativity. For many of us, the goal of coloring is to stay inside the lines and create a beautiful picture. And there is a certain amount of creativity within these guidelines. What color will you use? But maybe we can foster more creativity… Let’s color outside the lines! Or only use blues to color the whole picture.

• Provides much needed quiet time for children. “Children needing quiet time?!” I can hear you laughing. But it’s true. Young children need time to be alone with their thoughts, especially those that are transitioning out of naps.

• Connection. While we need time for our children to play independently (and they need it too!), we can also use coloring as a way to connect with our kids. Try to engage children in conversation or simply share your thoughts. “What color should I use on her dress?” or “I think I will color the tree orange because it’s fall.” Or, even better make up a story about the picture you are coloring! Double points for visual and verbal creativity!

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I’m a big fan of coloring for one reason: there are basically no rules. Maybe rules such as “Don’t eat the crayons” or “draw on the paper only” are needed but otherwise it is an activity born out of freedom. Your kids want to scribble? Go for it. They want to color white on white? Go nuts! 

When kids are in an environment that has very simple, easy to understand rules their creativity flourishes, and they can relax. Don’t get me wrong! I’m NOT saying rules are bad. Rules are essential, but they can be very confusing and taxing to children because they don’t understand them. So, the next time your little one is feeling overwhelmed or frazzled sit down with them and color a picture or two, it might even help you relax!

And be a Good Buddy and check out our free coloring resources!