How Do You Paint with Kids Around?

Painting with kids around requires planning and a bit of flexibility. Here's how to make it work:

Prioritize Safety

Ventilation: A crucial step is maximizing ventilation. Open windows and turn on exhaust fans to remove paint fumes from the air. (Reference: A good rule of thumb you can follow when you have children in the house is to open a window up in any room you are painting. Opening the windows ensures that the paint fumes are not trapped inside your home. You can also turn on the exhaust.)
Lead Paint: If your home is older, be aware of the potential presence of lead paint. While a small speck is generally not a cause for major concern, ingestion of paint chips is a serious issue. (Reference: A speck of lead paint is not something I would worry about. If your kid is eating paint chips maybe.)
Non-toxic Paints: Consider using non-toxic or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to minimize health risks for your children. Many homemade finger paint recipes are available online if you're concerned about store-bought options. (Reference: Do you ever worry about the ingredients that come in store-bought paint? This is less of a concern now that my children no longer put everything…)

Supervised Creative Activities: If your children are old enough, give them their own space and materials to create art alongside you. This can make the whole process more enjoyable. (Reference: The kids were very happy to not be bothered with that part of the activity.)
Age-Appropriate Projects: If it’s a room they will be in often, maybe allow them to paint a small section or help with less critical areas to boost their involvement and reduce the chances of mischief in more sensitive areas.
Dedicated Kid-Friendly Paints: Provide kid-friendly paints and art supplies for their own painting projects. This keeps them occupied and allows you to focus on the main painting task. (Reference: Paint Recipe for Kids | Homemade Finger Paint)

Small Sections: Paint in small, manageable sections. This makes the task less daunting and gives you opportunities for breaks. (Reference: how to paint your coffee table • notice the LITTLE things)
Childproofing: Secure paint cans and brushes out of reach when you take breaks. Consider using child-proof paint can openers to increase security further.
Scheduled Painting Times: Work during nap times or when the kids are occupied with other activities. (Reference: Today I wanted to show you our progress and also share some of my tricks to painting your home when you have children running around. It can…)

Toddlers: Toddlers need constant supervision. Consider a playpen or a safe, enclosed area to keep them contained while you paint.
Older Children: Older children may be able to assist with simple tasks, like stirring paint or cleaning brushes. Set clear expectations and boundaries.