I’m Jill. I didn’t marry Jack, I married Dave and I love him immensely. We have three kids and they say I’m silly. I reply it’s because I inherited it from them. I say that because that’s what my parents always told me and my siblings. Aren’t families lovely?
I blog (who doesn’t?) and write as often as I can, but mostly I cook new recipes for my family and a few brave friends because I get bored easily, read as much as I can (which isn’t as much as it used to be), clean up again what I just cleaned last night, and endeavor to come up with ideas for my kids to create on their own or to entertain themselves. I like to watch their minds pull out new concepts from something they thought was hard. Occasionally this is done by teaching them to do things like making their own peanut butter and jam sandwiches or learning how to turn on the Wii themselves. Sometimes though, I break the mold and pull out the artist buried deep within myself. Really, really, really deep.
Is this a new concept? Perhaps not. Maybe just a reminder. Most often, that’s what I need most in parenting, reminders of what works.
For our New Year’s Eve party, I covered our dining table with newsprint from one of the three rolls we keep on hand. It was a hit. I haven’t seen the top of my table since then – except when I’m changing the paper.
One of Ari’s favorite things right now is to “trace hand”. RJ has even learned how to trace his sister’s hand. He’s such an obliging older brother.
Part one of RJ’s first drawing of our family.
Part two. I was/am so blasted proud of his first attempt. Even if we are all eyes and legs and smiling faces. At least he portrayed us smiling instead of frowning – that gives me hope in the discipline area.
RJ’s drawing of a man (left) and a rocket (right) the major themes of his artistic renderings lately.
RJ, cousin Lily, and Ari going to town with the crayons.
Have I mentioned what a great tool this has been? I change it about once a week unless creativity waxes particularly strong for several days, then I change it more often. I take pictures or cut out and scan those drawings I want to save and toss the rest in the garbage.
Hallelujah and a big hooray for toys that aren’t plastic, don’t make annoying sounds, and are full of limitless possibilities. I might get this parenting thing figured out yet.
~ Jill
Hooray for Jill! And… I get to be the first one to comment on this amazing woman’s brillance! This is seriously a fabulous idea. Way to promote creativity. I am so proud to call you my friend!
That would be great for the kids tables at Thanksgiving and Christmas 😉 Thanks Jill!
Thank you! We also employ this trick whenever my husband has to be gone for a few days for work. It’s easy to make it “new” again by simply replacing the paper. Newsprint is also fabulous for laying on the floor and then having your kids lay on it and tracing the outline of their bodies – then they get to adorn their paper selves in whatever color or clothing they can draw. We hang those up in their room once they finish. Last idea – newsprint makes fabulous wrapping paper. I let my kids color all over it and then wrap up the gifts in their art. Simple and personal. 🙂
p.s. you can also teach your kids how to correctly set the table by taking a plate, cup, spoon, fork, and knife to your newsprint-papered table. Trace the place settings on the paper, then ask your kids to help you set the table using correct table settings. My mom used this method when my sister and I were in preschool.
p.p.s. you can get newsprint by calling your local newspaper office and asking for “end rolls”. I called three local newspapers and the price per roll at each place was $2.99 or $3/roll. One newspaper sold 2 rolls for $5. Ask about widths of the rolls as they can vary, 12″, 24″, 36″, and 48″. Measure your table and then call the newspaper for details on where to pick them up and how to pay. One office I spoke with told me cash or check are easier than debit/credit cards (though I’m not sure why). Happy drawing!
Thanks! More great ideas! I was actually thinking of doing the homemade wrapping paper this year. Send me some more guest posts, you’re too good!
love this idea!
Marie loves to draw and I was just thinking the other day that I need to make it more accessible to her because she usually asks if she can when I am feeding the baby. Answer:cover the table! I have seen this in action at your house and didn’t think of it until know. What was that you were saying about needing reminders ….