At what age can I...?

Question

begin to introduce the concept of coloring/drawing with crayons without my son thinking that the crayon is a new type of snack??!!

Sorry, I forgot to mention that he is 15 months old. Such great answers so far guys, thanks!

Answer 1

when he is 2. As long as you can trust him not to color everything. there are some crayola crayons that are made so that they only draw on the special paper that they provide. when they go on anything else, they are clear. But if you are supervising him, no need to worry. My 19 month old already knows what they are for (and trys to color the walls) and doesn't try to eat them. It just depends on your child.
good luck

Answer 2

When I was teaching I saw the occasional 10 year old eating crayons. So that is irrelevant to the answer. The better thing to do is make sure you buy American made crayons as they are safe (no toxic chemicals in them.)

Crayons are really just colored wax, so as long as you get American made you are safe. Crayons may not taste to good for adults, but for a child everything is a potential snack. No matter the age a child has the potential of trying the "snack."

As for the age this ends for most kids, I would suggest not giving them to children under age 4. The tasting should be over by then. More important never let him have them unless you or another adult is present in case of choking. Don't forget to keep them washed as well to avoid germs.

Answer 3

My son is 2 and a half and he has been colouring with crayons for a long time, i would just suggest that you supervise while he is learning to colour, don't wait until 3 or 4 because then he will be behind most other children. Give it a go now and if he's not interested try again in a few weeks!!

Answer 4

Even around 15-18 months. Just make sure you buy non-toxic crayons and keep an eye on him when he is drawing. My son is 2 and he has been drawing with crayons for a while now.

Answer 5

15 months was when I started giving my son crayons. The comment about the crayola crayons was a good one. They make not only special crayons, but markers and paints as well. I usually get down on the floor and color with him. It's not only play with you but it is supervision for the child too.

Answer 6

I don't think that there is a set time - my 17 month old thinks crayons are yummy as well. I think the key is to give close supervision. Artistic encouragement is good at any age :) If you feel as his mother he's not ready, wait a few weeks, try again. What can it hurt? I think we all ate a crayon or two as a child ;)

Answer 7

i would think about 1 and a half, 17 or 18 months, depending on their maturity. I use to teach toddlers and that is about the age they have a good idea of what's food and what's not. I've seen a five yr old eat a crayon so it's irrevlant to suggest a age which they don't think it is a snack. Supervise him and show him what to do. If he tries to put it in his mouth tell him "No eat (or not food)" then show him with his hand what to do tell him to make a pretty picture.

Answer 8

um, i think 3 or 4 it a little late to give your kid a marker or crayon. my daughter has been coloring with her speech therapist since she was 18 months..and i gave her crayons before that. just stay with them while they are coloring, and always let them know that it isn't ok to put the crayons in their mouth. but coloring is good for childrens development, so you should definetly have crayons and paper on hand all the time.

Answer 9

You can try it now but make sure you buy the non toxic crayons and just keep an eye on him.

Answer 10

when your child grows out of the habit of putting things in his mouth. Anything small enough to fit in a childs mouth is a choking hazard so the last thing you want him to do is bite off a chunk of crayon and start choking.l