Crayons or Markers?

Hi,

I never give my kids pens or crayons because I am afraid of them poking their eyes, writing on stuff, you know what I mean. I realize they need to learn how to use a pen, so I have to get over my fears and let them draw. What kind of crayons or markers are best for the beginning? And are the washable kind, really washable?

Thank you!

 

We loved the Color Wonder markers and finger paints when they were that age. They only work on the special Color Wonder paper or coloring books.

 

I just started with art stuff other than crayons at Christmas. I do Color Wonder markers, too. We also have messier stuff, for which I strap them in at boosters at the table so they can't wander. For dry erase I make them do 1 marker at a time, closing it first. If they misbehave (which they do) that kid is done and he can watch his brother.

 

Markers are easier for little kids to use - they don't have to press as hard to get color to come out. But if you get good quality crayons (Crayola or Melissa & Doug) they should be fine too. The benefit to crayons is that they don't get all over everything. Just strap your kids in to their highchairs for the first few coloring sessions so you see how they do!

 

My girls have always preferred markers to crayons. We started out with color wonder, now we use WASHABLE crayola markers and I love them. We also only use one at at time and caps must be returned. They are very washable. I've gotten them on my clothes, hair, seat cushions, etc.

Also, Melissa and Doug makes wonderful washable paints that are ridiculously fun and very washable!!!! My girls got red paint on white socks and they came clean with just a wash. They love painting the most

 

Our girls like markers better than crayons. But when they were smaller I did not offer markers because I knew they would make a big mess with them, and they were fine with crayons when they were younger.

 

I use crayons and markers for the tub. I don't stress as much since its in the tub and can be washed away easily. We also got the boys Fisher Price Doodle Pros for Christmas and they have been great for letting them get used to holding a pencil and drawing.

 

Crayola Twistables were a big help here. My DD, especially during her second year, was famous for peeling off the paper from the crayon and eating crayon and paper :headbang: The twistables completely got rid of that.

 

At 18 months my two love crayons. I only allow them to draw when they are in their highchairs and as soon as they draw on anything but the paper I take it away. I allow them to choose a crayon and after a while I give them a choice of another colour. Non-toxic is the most important to me as they still tend to put the crayons in their mouths. I bought crayons (Colene) that are thick and don't break easily. I fount with the twistables that DD manages to pull the whole "lead" out and chews it.

 

We started with crayons, good quality thick crayons which do not require too much pressure to give good colour. The benefit of crayons is that it is really hard for them to get stains on themselves or their clothing. But they are difficult to get off furniture or the walls. We still do not use markers, but we use brushes and paints and fingerpaints a lot. For all drawing and painting activities we have a rule that they are only allowed to use them at the table wearing art aprons or designated messy t-shirts and after I have covered the table with a washable cloth. I only use washable brands of paints, most come our well in the wash if you wash the clothes on the same day and do not allow the stains to set.
Have fun!

 

My girls LOVE crayons. The Crayolas are very washable but break easily. Ive heard wonderful things about Melissa & Doug; that's what we plan to get for birthday gifts. On warm days, we go outside and use sidewalk chalk. It's messy but washable and lots of fun.

 

Thank you everyone! I had no idea what Color Wonders was, that sounds so cool. Thanks for the idea of a Doodle pro, Joanna, we got them one of those yesterday and they seem to like it, I will let them get used to holding a pen with that one, then get the Color Wonders stuff.

 

My kids always preferred markers (even now). And no one has ever poked her eye out.