Painting through straws and what can I say? It's a process!

We all like to think that we truly allow our child to immerse themselves in the "process" of creating art. I thought I did! Then this morning I realized that maybe I hold back a bit, maybe I cut art time short when she could continue in her "process" longer. Some mornings perhaps I am rushed? Sometimes it may be that we are doing a "certain activity" and I want her to focus on the skill at hand? I'm really not sure what it is.

This morning I took a big step back and I noticed that when Biscuit's mess got bigger her ideas were bigger, her smile was bigger. Mine was too. I learned something today. I will make an effort to show more respect for my daughter's process. This isn't to say that I wasn't respectful before, however I could certainly improve in that area.

Here is a look at our activity "painting through straws" and my child's process and journey through her creations.

"Wow Mommy! Look what I made with my straw!! It's for Daddy. I need the dropper for eyeballs."

"Mommy look at this! Polka dots! I need more. It's for my Daddy."

"Mommy I need a paintbrush. I need a sponge too."

"Look at that! My sponge made it."

"Mommy, Can I put paint in my hand? Make hand print for Daddy."

"Squuuuuueeeeze! Look at this Mommy!"

Now from those pictures you can clearly ascertain two things. #1 ~ My daughter is clearly in love her Daddy and any art work she makes is always for him. I am chopped liver.  #2 ~ Biscuit was completely and totally into the process.

Happy Playing & Exploring!!