Is there really any perfect time to do DIY, especially painting, with the “help” of little kids? There were many times while my small tribe was growing that I would dare to do some DIY while pregnant or with littles hanging on me. Somehow the stars aligned and I got things done. Here are some tips gleaned from both successful times and failed attempts at DIY and painting. All done with the shortest project foremen ever keeping watch. 😉
1. Let Them Help
Sounds crazy, but giving kids jobs that they can do will make things easier for you in the long run. If they feel like a part of the painting project then they are less likely to sabotage it to get attention later.
Children can help with the pre cleaning, like wiping walls or base boards and vacuuming floors. My dad totally used all us daughters from the age of 3 and up to wipe baseboards, sweep, vacuum, wash the removed outlet covers, tape off the baseboards, clean brushes, lay tarps, remove tape and paper after painting, fold tarps, etc. There are many little jobs that can be assigned and monitored to include kids of all ages.
2. Dress For a Mess
Make sure the little kids are stripped down to a diaper or in grubby clothes they can get paint on. This will make it easier for when they help or if they touch some wet paint. The last thing you need is to stop what you are doing to clean their cute outfit. My boys were pros at finding a drop of paint and getting it all over themselves. With time, they learned to avoid brushing up on wet surfaces or putting a finger in wet paint to see if it was dry.
3. Let Kids Paint First
Say what? That sounds like a big mess. Surprisingly, this works really well on even the wildest of children.
After everything is taped off and tarps are down, mark off a large square(s) with paint. You be in charge of dipping the sponge brush in paint and hand it to the kid(s). Let them paint in the assigned square(s). It will take a while and soon the novelty of painting will wear off until it starts to feel like work. Once it becomes a chore for them, they will be over it and stop bugging you to paint. Be sure to give praise and use a small brush. Then when they are finished, clean them off and roll over their painted square as you paint the wall.
4. Cut In During the Day
Paint trays and stir sticks can be a big temptation that leads to an even bigger mess for some kids. Avoid the hassle by prepping and cutting in around the room during the day while kids are awake. Once they go to bed, you are set to roll away on all the walls or ceilings. This trick can prevent the risk of any finger painting art that may take place if the kids were awake.
5. Paint the Upper Half of the Wall
Sometimes you just want to get painting sooner than later. I had a hallway I was trying to get painted but it was a long hallway and I didn’t want to be up ridiculously late at night painting. Cutting in during the morning went well so I decided to brave the roller while all three boys were awake. So brave.
My dad was a professional painter and would not agree with this technique but the desperation of a mother can overlook those sort of things. I painted the ceiling and the top half, about three to four feet from the ground, of the walls so that the fresh paint wouldn’t get bumped or messed up by my three whirlwinds I call boys. It totally worked and I felt so accomplished that day. Once they went to bed I painted the lower half of the walls.
6. Keep Paint Cans Closed
This was a close call. By this time my boys were used to me painting and didn’t really get into my painting stuff while I worked on a project. But I learned to never get too comfortable or turn your back for too long, lest curiosity get the best of the situation. Well, curiosity or hunger.
As I painted away I heard my toddler son say, “ooh, vanilla pudding!” That got my attention real quick. He did not ingest any paint, he just started stirring it and contemplating if it was truly vanilla pudding. He opted for a real snack and I replaced the cover on that paint can in record time. Phew! Keeping or replacing lids on paint cans can also prevent accidental spills, so there’s that.
7. Have Wet Wipes on Hand
If you have little diapered cuties, you most likely have wet wipes. Wet wipes are amazing for any drips, roller bumps, or paint brush errors. Use a wet wipe to clean up any wet paint that was placed where it shouldn’t be in a matter of seconds. A wet paper towel or rag will do also, but the wet wipe is thick and durable because it was designed to wipe up messes. Seriously, I have hit my roller against the ceiling more times than I want to admit because I am trying to get the paint as close to the corner as possible. A little wet wipe clean up and no one need know there was ever a whoops moment.
8. Set Up a Step Ladder
Many times when cutting in with paint on the walls or ceilings I have to use a ladder. When I pull out the ladder it seems to act as a beacon to all children to come and climb. No, please don’t climb on the ladder while I am on it, or at all.
Instead of scolding, I got creative. Set up a step ladder that only has about two steps. Put that step ladder in the middle of the room or near a well cushioned piece of furniture, and let those monkeys climb up and down to their heart’s content. It is much safer, you can keep an eye on them, and if the four year old jumps off of it he is less likely to get hurt than from the ladder. My boys even climbed up and then jumped into a pile of couch cushions nearby because the floor was hot lava, of course.
9. Wrap Brushes or Rollers in Plastic Wrap
Here’s a trick I still use because it is so dang easy and time saving. When you use a paint brush or roller but need to stop painting for a short time, wrap up the brush or roller in plastic cling wrap. The plastic is non porous and will prevent the brush or roller from drying out. Perfect if a diaper needs changing, a kid needs to be picked up from school, in between coats, or when you finish painting late at night and just don’t feel like washing out the brush until morning.
10. Set Up a Highly Anticipated Activity
There have been many occasions when I had a project work day planned in advance. In the days leading up to the work day, I would run my kids around a lot outside and not let them watch a movie. Then when I was painting I could put on a highly anticipated movie and they would get sucked in while I quickly worked.
I have also let them play with Playdough at the kitchen table while I painted the connected family room. Again, keeping the Playdough playing out of the rotation for a while leading up to the paint project allowed for the novelty of playing to last longer than 5 minutes. Yes, there were Playdough crumbs on the floor and colors got mixed, but sacrifices are made to allow for project progress.
11. Prepare Snacks and Drinks Ahead of Time
Seriously doesn’t matter how much they ate at breakfast or lunch, the kids will get hungry as soon as you start painting. Get snacks prepped, divvied out and ready to go prior to starting to paint so either an older child can get the littles situated or it will only take you a moment to retrieve it for them. Be sure the snacks are age appropriate and that you are in the same room while they eat. So, like, whole grapes would be a poor choice of snack in this situation. Bonus is if a tarp is down for the painting then they won’t spill the food on the carpet!
12. Forts and Flashlights
Never underestimate the power of a good fort or a flashlight. Yes, it may take a few minutes to help set up a blanket fort. If you invest that time in the construction beforehand, there is a greater chance that it will pay off later. Large cardboard boxes also work well. Combine the two and lookout! A dark blanket fort is perfect for exploring with a small flashlight.
Please comment below if you have more ideas to share about keeping kids out of your hair on project or painting work days. It is always great to have more input that leads to successful DIY results. Enjoy the time with the little people in your life because that time will pass quicker than you think. My boys are so big now they couldn’t help me with the photos. Some of my sons are taller than me now! Fortunately my nephews were up for the challenge of climbing on their Aunt Lisa for a few photos. Anything to help make a house a home!
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My little ones are long grown up, but I appreciate the plastic wrap and wet wipe tips. I don’t paint very often, so hopefully I’ll remember them :).
Glad to provide you with some tips, even if there are no little ones around when you paint. The great thing is you can always come back to Tinged Blue for any painting tips at any time! If you ever have any questions you can ask away here or on the Facebook page Tinged Blue. <3