Do They Drive You Up The Wall When They Draw On Your Wall?

Have you ever wondered why almost ALL children ~even us when we were little, whether we care to admit it or not~ will want to draw a.k.a scribble on the wall? It is almost like the very action is instinctive. So, maybe it is. If we look closely, no one showed these infants/children to draw on the wall... Just like suckling, nobody had to teach them. They do this by instinct.

And taking from the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori & Glenn Doman, before stopping a child from doing something, we as parents, care takers, teachers must be humble and respectful enough to first observe his actions without interrupting.

If a child is very adamant on doing something one way, like drawing on the WALL instead of in his book for example, the question we should ask ourselves is, in my humble opinion, not "How can I stop him from doing this?" But rather, "What can I do to help him through this stage?" This question is 'key' especially when dealing with infants (children below 2 years old). Because children at this age are very instinctive in their physical development as a fully functioning human being (and we should respect them that way) and furthermore, they have not yet developed their reasoning ability. So if your infant starts scribbling on the wall, you might want to cover part of your wall with paper and let him express himself. Or, if your wall paint is the 'spot-less' type, give him non-permanent pens. Then, explain to him that he should only draw on that part of the wall... Make it sound like 'that part of the wall' is the best & the most special place in the world for him to draw on. And if your child 'slipped' and draw outside the borders that you have set for him, teach him to clean it up. And make it FUN because the cleaning up activity in itself can help develop the child's gross motor skill, hand-eye coordination and sense of responsibility.

While that is the case with infants, older children, 3-6 year old finds drawing on the wall more appealing because, according to Becky Bailey, Ph.D., author of There's Gotta Be a Better Way. It's a much more comfortable position that allows him better hand-eye control  -- and that makes his art projects a lot more fun. Most kids are able to work comfortably at a desk or table by the time they graduate kindergarten. Until then? Remind your child that writing on the wall isn't allowed (and have him help you clean up if he makes a mess). But give him the chance to draw the way he really wants to. Use an easel if you have one, or tape big sheets of paper to the wall. Or encourage him to draw lying down, which is also easier than leaning over a desk.

It is very important for us parents to train ourselves to see from the perspective of a child rather that imposing our ways and methods on them, in the name of discipline. Perhaps, drawing on the wall is an expression of making their mark in this physical physical world... Have you ever wondered...?

Love,
Shaimaa'

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