At what age do kids start coloring?

krate24

I know Nibs does "artwork" at day care, so last night I figured I'd take some paper and crayons out and see what happened.  She loved taking the crayons out of the box and holding onto them.  She did get some marks on the paper, too.  And yeah, she did occasionally try to eat the crayons, but I would just redirect her.  Well, at one point I had to take care of dinner, so I asked DH to take over watching her "color."  He acted shocked that I was letting her play with crayons, saying she was way too young.  But the only way she'll learn is by trying, right?  I mean, she's 14 months, not 4 months.  So, should I hold off with the coloring?  And if so, when's an appropriate time to start?

And, in full disclosure, last night was a bit of a stressful night, so I think my normally patient DH was just running thin, which may have influenced his opinion.

mrsadamc 05

Katie can't do crayons at all but she's been able to use markers at school and also finger paint.  

 

memali26

fredalina:

Char was 11 months, and yes she tried to eat them a lot. NBD we just redirected.

This for my DD, too. We got her a set of the Crayola Color Wonder markers and coloring book a few weeks ago, and now she asks to use them almost every day. 

Chapter79

I think my daughter was around that age- 14 to 15 months or so, just a bit over a year old. As long as she's not trying to eat them constantly or drawing on the table or anything, I would absolutely let her play with crayons (and if she tries to mouth them a few times and redirects, I would just do that as you were).  I love when kids are creative and want to color, I that's the perfect age to start and if she's interested.. keep at it

Kristinmo

memali26:

fredalina:

Char was 11 months, and yes she tried to eat them a lot. NBD we just redirected.

This for my DD, too. We got her a set of the Crayola Color Wonder markers and coloring book a few weeks ago, and now she asks to use them almost every day. 

 I second this suggestion.  DS couldn't really press hard enough to color with crayons at that age but loved these markers and they couldn't ruin anything.

With crayons, we would always let him have them at restaurants and when I noticed he was doing well with them we bought some for home.

Jacquiemark

Amelia started coloring with markers about 2 months ago. She just marks the page and has tried marking the walls as well. I was thinking of getting her some chalk for the outside.

melodylb

We color a lot these days. We just started about a month ago. She loves it!

pmarie33

fredalina:

Char was 11 months, and yes she tried to eat them a lot. NBD we just redirected.

Ditto, it was right before a year when we introduced crayons to O. 

joanithegreat

I am pretty sure my nephew was around a year and a half when he started to be interested in crayons and coloring.  Supervision is key at this age though, DH learned that the hard way when our nephew got a hold of a pen and colored all over our off white couch. 

weelass24

Oisin started coloring about 18 months.  Before that, he just ate them.