Coloring is a great pass time for kids, historically a staple at cafes and restaurants to keep kids entertained, before screens became common practice. However, coloring is not just a way to keep the kids entertained while we quickly get a load of laundry moved over to the drier, it's also an activity that has been shown to build confidence.
Neuroscientists have found that the areas of the brain that light up during coloring are the frontal lobe (planning decision making and problem solving), Parietal lobe (sensory info and spatial awareness), occipital lobes (visual processing), temporal (memory, recognition, categorization), cerebellum and basal ganglia (fine motor skills and procedural learning).
Coloring can help with small wins with opportunities for feeling accomplished when completing a page, praise from a parent's admiration for their creativity and decision making of how to fill the page.
Children also learn to overcome obstacles such a mistake management- navigating around coloring outside the lines and persistence in completing complex details.
Not to mention the developmental progression of fine motor skills (holding a crayon, focus and concentration and hand-eye coordination (coloring inside the lines) by training visual coordination.
Being able to talk about the details of a page, describing artwork drawing letters will result in a conversation that will further language development.
The therapeutic and calming effects might be my favorite aspect of coloring, as it allows ways for the brain to become still; minimizing sensory overload and overstimulation linked to behavioral issues. While the brain is mellow it can more easily process complexities and stimulate creativity.
So next time the kiddos may be bouncing off the walls or mom and dad need a little quiet time or productive time, grab the crayons and be reassured in knowing that you're just further building confidence in your kids for a more confident future.
Here are some different coloring ideas to explore with your kids
Color Puzzle: Have the kids color different images, laminate and cut them out to create a puzzle
Dot coloring with dot pens
Free color to stimulate creativity
Coloring activity books, that prompt coloring circles to a ice cream cone, triangles to a pizza pie, swirls to a spaghetti bowl https://amzn.to/44BhZ5V
Educational coloring books. I created one for the US states just for fun. (shameless plug) https://amzn.to/4bwEmLY
Large Cardboard box coloring is a hit at parties. My best friend had a giant cardboard bus at her party which get the kids entertained for hours. https://amzn.to/4bglvF8v
Water wow activity books which are great for travel as the pens only have water and no mess. https://amzn.to/4dBc30C
I hope you find these suggestions helpful and that you felt this post continues to reinforce your own confidence in the incredible parent you are!
