Easy Coloring Pages

Coloring time with little ones is full of surprises: blue cows, rainbow suns, and yes, lots of scribbles that wander way outside the lines. And that’s exactly how it should be!

When kids color freely, they’re not just making pretty pictures, they’re exploring, expressing themselves, and having fun. Here are some tips on how to support their creativity and make art a fun and natural part of your family culture!

Forget “Perfect” — Embrace the Scribbles!

It’s easy to remind a child to “Stay in the lines!” but when kids are just learning to hold crayons or express their ideas, neatness really isn’t the goal. Letting them color however they want—no matter how messy or wildly imaginative—helps them build creative confidence.

A green tiger? Sure! A bear concealed in a purple scribbled haze? Absolutely. Let their imagination lead the way.

Celebrate What Matters — Effort and Joy!

When your child is excited to show you their finished masterpiece, there are many encouraging ways to cheer on their effort! Here are just a few:

• “Look at all the colors you used!”
• “You really filled in that whole page—awesome!”
• “This picture makes me smile!”
• “I love how you came up with your own ideas!!”

• “This is so colorful—it really pops!”
• “Wow, you made something totally unique!”
• “I never would’ve thought to use that color—great choice!”
• “This picture feels so happy/silly/magical—just like you!”

• “You really stuck with that for a long time. Great focus!”
• “You worked so hard on this. I can tell you gave it your best.”
• “Look how much of the page you filled in—nice work!”
• “You’ve improved so much—your coloring is getting stronger every time!”

• “Can you tell me about what’s happening in your picture?”
• “What made you choose those colors?”
• “Does this picture have a story behind it?”
• “What’s your favorite part that you colored?”

• “You’re such an artist!”
• “I’m proud of how creative you are.”
• “Your imagination is amazing.”
• “I love seeing what you create.”

These kinds of comments show your child that what really matters is having fun and trying new things—not doing it “right.”

Keep Your Kids’ Art Supplies and Easy Coloring Pages Accessible

One of the best ways to encourage creativity is to let kids create whenever they feel like it. In my home, we have an old wooden “art table” that has always been free to use for any and all creative art projects the kids could dream up. Yes, that table is covered in paint and marker streaks, but I don’t think I will ever refinish it because the memories are too sweet! My kids have always had free access to paper, coloring books and art supplies and didn’t have to ask for help or permission to use them. Now that they are pre-teens and teenagers, they are still very creative and enjoy coming up with fun, creative projects to do on a whim. 

Your child’s “Art Center” can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but here’s the super-simple version. Provide a small bin or caddy which holds:

• Washable crayons or markers (or colored pencils if they are old enough)
• A few printed-out coloring pages
• Blank paper
• Maybe some stickers or tape for extra fun

Keep everything on a low shelf or kid-height table so they can grab it on their own. No need to ask permission—they can just color when the mood strikes!

Let Them Explore

Some days your child might carefully color every section. Other days, they might just make giant scribbles or mix every color together. All of it counts.

Encourage them to:

• Add their own special effects to their coloring pages
• Tell you stories about what they colored
• Try new things, even if it gets a little messy

The magic of a young child’s creative spirit is something to celebrate! By giving your child the freedom to color their way and the tools to do it whenever they want, you’re helping them grow into a confident, creative person.

So grab the crayons, make some space, and let the masterpieces begin!