A very good friend of mine recently went to an adults colouring in event at a well-known bookstore. He came back with lots of photos he had taken of coloured in pages and was pretty pleased with his results. I was tempted to pat him on the head and say ‘well done, you managed to stay in the lines!’ – isn’t that what most parents say when offered the latest colouring in creation from their little ones?
It sounds a bit ‘out there’ but this trend suggests that spending a bit of ‘me’ time with a picture and some crayons colours can really help to reduce stress and is actually quite therapeutic.
It looks like he had a blast. I mean, who wouldn’t, given a couple of hours child-free to drink tea, chat and rest on your laurels. So it got me wondering… is this trend actually about the colouring in itself, or is it really a way to get us busy bodies to slow down, be mindful in the moment and take a break.
So, being a mummy, I did what any mum might do…. I dug out my daughters colouring in books and crayons to give it a go myself!
Little Button stood open mouthed as she watched me flicking through the pages. ‘Mummy, are you going to colour?’ she eye-balled me as if this was all a trick.
‘You will stay in the lines?’
*chirps the small person who hardly ever does herself!
‘Yes’ I promised and encouraged her to join me.
10 minutes later and I was totally in the swing of things.
In fact, we were possibly having a little too much fun. Both shrieking with laughter at the tops of our voices at the coloured in handbag that should actually have been a bucket! Though none-the-less pleased as punch with our efforts.
I might not have discovered the secret benefits of (proper) adult colouring in this time round, but I think I found something even better. A new way to connect to my daughter… staying in the present moment and just being me.
Have you tried adult or mum style colouring in yet?
WILD is now out in Spanish!
WILD – Our debut children’s picture book
Dad blogger Ross Good from The Stented Papa is the official storyteller for WILD!
Happy book birthday WILD!
I love colouring in, it does actually calm me a little and have the actual grown colouring books but little time to actually do it 🙁 I do however spent a lot of time colouring/scribbling with my little boy and we have a blast as I’m trying to stay in the lines and he’s telling me off, he likes to freestyle a little more #BloggerClubUK
Adult colouring in sounds cool. Sounds like you had fun trying it also. It is a relaxing thing to do.
I’ve heard about adult colouring and have seen really lovely colouring books for adults and I can imagine how relaxing it must be for some people. Admittedly, I was tempted to buy one for myself, but then again, I barely manage with my reading, let alone colouring! 😉 #BloggerClubUK
This is so sweet, I love how delighted your daughter was. I have tried the adult colouring books, a friend sent me one. I bought myself a lovely set of posh pencils to use. But in over a year of having it I have only found time to colour in 2 pages! x
I love coloring with the kids. I haven’t done it in awhile actually, this is a great reminder to get back into it! I used to paint before having children. It’s lovely to have a creative outlet. Thanks so much for linking up with #bloggerclubuk x
I tried the adult version and coloured alongside my drawing son but like you we soon ended up just drawing together and having a merry old time. I love colouring with my kids and regularly did this with big lad when he was younger. Love the quote too! TY for linking up to #FamilyFun
I find it is quite a relaxing activity and it makes those evenings sitting in front of the TV with a glass of wine feel a little more productive! Saying that, I’ve only managed to finish one page in the few months I’ve had it :s A lovely way to spend some time with your little ones though. #familyfun
I colour one side of the colouring book and my son colours the other. I spent my childhood telling my brother off for going outside the lines and using interesting colours (bossy big sister) but these days I am much less of a stickler for the rules. I love watching him enjoying being creative. 🙂 xx