Painting with a 6 month old

So today I decided to do some painting with my 6 month old son. I didn't realise how difficult this would be!...

I decided to do this so that I could send whatever creation we made to my mum in the UK. She still hasn't met my son in person and she's dying to give him a big hug!

I got the paints, paint brushes and paper out and some much needed wet wipes. Sat my son in his high chair and placed him at the table. I also had my phone ready to take pictures as we went but that didn't happen, unless I wanted paint all over my phone!

I showed him all of the equipment and let him touch everything so he could become familiar with it all. I then proceeded to paint his hands. He was unsure at first but then giggled. I then did a hand print on the paper.

This all sounds easy but it really wasn't. He kept his hand clenched in a fist the whole time. When I attempted to unclench his fist he got very upset with me. We only did the one hand in the end.

I then proceeded to attempt foot prints. This was a little easier but still harder than I expected. He wouldn't keep his feet still and we got red paint every where! I did manage to get both feet though. He thoroughly enjoyed washing his feet in the bath afterwards, there was lots of giggles.

I then let my boy take the paint brush and do some free stokes. He enjoyed this the most and was very pleased with his efforts.

The masterpiece

I was less so. I wanted something really special to send to my mum. Knowing my mum though she will love this anyways and will be touched that she gets his first ever paintings.

I think I need to learn now to be a perfectionist when it comes to this type of thing!

Hopefully our next attempt will go better...

Pictures my own signature from canva