Easy Egg Coloring Tips to Try with Toddlers
Are your children ready to color Easter eggs together this year? There are a few key factors you should keep in mind for an easier and more enjoyable coloring experience for all involved.
Coloring Easter Eggs With Toddlers and Preschoolers
Easter is an exciting and colorful time of year, providing opportunities for little ones to discover new worlds! Coloring Easter eggs has long been a tradition among families – it’s definitely popular with younger set! Toddlers may still be developing dexterity; so there are a few simple but key considerations before sitting down with your toddlers or preschoolers to dye eggs together.
If you have older kids or want some unique ways to decorate Easter eggs yourself, our 7 exciting ways to decorate Easter eggs post may provide inspiration.
10 Tips for Coloring Easter Eggs with Younger Children
Before beginning to colour Easter eggs with young children, make sure the table is prepared with a plastic tablecloth and something absorbent such as paper towels or newspaper. Taping its edges under the table will prevent kids from accidentally pulling it off the table!
Make sure children wear smocks or aprons to protect their clothes from getting stained by egg dyeing materials.
Heavier dishes work better for egg dying; they won’t tip over as easily compared to paper cups or plastic bowls. If using cups or mugs instead, ensure they can fit a whisk (see tip #7!).
Make things simple. While older children might appreciate intricate decorations and designs, toddlers will be most interested in discovering how colors interact with one another and develop. This activity is also an excellent opportunity to discuss secondary colors – like mixing red and blue to form purple!
Yes, both white and brown eggs should be dyed! This will produce colors both vivid and more subdued in appearance.
Food coloring combined with white vinegar and water makes a simple yet cost-effective dye kit, achieving vibrant hues without breaking the bank. Use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water along with 4 or 5 drops of food coloring depending on what hue you wish to achieve (light pastel hues can be achieved using four to five drops while 10-12 will produce bolder ones).
Use a whisk to dip your eggs. Simply push the boiled egg between its wires until it sits inside, making dipping easy for children without dropping or breaking any. An ice cream scoop or pasta server also works great at lifting eggs out of dye.
Eggs should be dried sideways either in an egg carton, or by cutting “Xs” on the back of a cereal box and pushing its cut-outs inward until they securely hold your eggs upright.
Avoid leaving your child alone for safety purposes – first and foremost. Kids are curious, and all it takes to spill red dye all over your carpets in seconds is curiosity!
If you want to color multiple eggs at once or are coloring with several children at the same time, using large containers like loaf pans or saucepans instead of individual cups may help speed up the process. Doing this allows you to color several eggs simultaneously.
Relax and have FUN. Your children are creating amazing memories together; so be sure to enjoy and have an excellent Easter!