Help! My Child Keeps Drawing On Our Walls!

Q. I love helping my son be creative and he loves to draw, but he’s recently taken to drawing on everything – including the walls. Help!

A. If it’s any consolation, both my kids did this too! It’s perfectly normal, as toddlers don’t really understand the value of a newly painted wall or an antique dresser – they simply see an exciting, new drawing or painting surface. You need to be clear and firm about where it’s acceptable for your child to draw, repeating the guidelines often and immediately removing drawing instruments when your child does draw inappropriately. Also make sure there are plenty of opportunities for creative play, such as leaving drawing pads out and having creative playmats with free-play toys.