10 Tips for Coloring Easter Eggs with Toddlers
Easter is a fun and colorful time for little ones to explore. Coloring Easter eggs is a tradition in many families, and a definite favorite among the younger set! Toddlers are still developing dexterity, so there are a few simple but important things to remember before you sit down with them to dye eggs.
Following these simple tips will ensure a fun and memorable experience for all. And don’t forget to snap some pictures! If you’re on Instagram, we’d love it if you shared some with us, so be sure to tag us @kix_cereal!
10 Tips for Coloring Easter Eggs with Toddlers
1. Be sure to cover the table with a plastic tablecloth as well as something absorbent, such as paper towels or newspaper. Taping the tablecloth edges underneath the table will ensure they don’t accidentally pull the cloth – and everything with it – off the table.
2. Have children wear smocks or aprons to keep their clothes from being stained.
3. Use heavier dishes for dying. They don’t tip over as easily as a paper cup or plastic bowl. If using cups or mugs, be sure they are wide and deep enough to hold a whisk (see tip #7!).
4. Keep it simple. Older kids will enjoy designs and more intricate decorating, but toddlers are fascinated by the colors that develop. This is also a great time to talk about secondary colors, such as mixing red and blue to make purple.
5. Dye white as well as brown eggs. The results will be both bright and more natural looking colors.
6. No need to mess with expensive dye kits. Food coloring and a little vinegar and water works great. Use one tablespoon of white vinegar to one cup of water and several 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.
7. Use a whisk to dip your eggs. Simply push the boiled egg between the wires of the whisk until it sits inside. Kids can easily dip the egg in the dye as well as remove it without dropping it in the process. An ice cream scoop or pasta server also work great for lifting eggs from the dye.
8. Dry your eggs sideways in an egg carton, or cut “Xs” in the back of a cereal box and push the cut-outs inward until they comfortably hold the eggs upright.
9. Never leave your child unattended, first and foremost for safety purposes. Children are curious and it only takes seconds for him/her to spill a batch of red dye all over your carpet!
10. If you want to color several eggs all at once or you have a group of children, try using large containers such as loaf pans or saucepans instead of individual cups. This will allow you to dye several eggs at once.
The most important tip of all is to relax and have FUN. You are building wonderful memories with your kids, so enjoy!
Article by Amanda Formaro for Kix Cereal. Amanda is a well-known craft expert and has been writing and crafting on the Internet for over fifteen years. Find out more on her blog, Crafts by Amanda, where she shares tutorials with step-by-step photos for adults and kids alike.