A Doll Painting Project

© Melissa Gaggiano

It's not easy being six years old. Just getting started in this world. Learning to understand social cues, school rules, spelling codes, being told how to do art, and... well, sometimes it can be a bit much for anyone. It can get to be a long day when you're six.

Little K had expressed her desire to make a 'daddy doll'. So yesterday, after school I surprised her with a cookie cutter shaped cloth doll for her to  paint. I was invited to join in with the painting, which I did, but only by adding a couple of details. I wanted this to be Little K's thing.

There were no rules to decorating the doll. There was no right or wrong technique. This was about letting one kid do something creative, thoughtful, with no worry about a finishing time. It was great! Watching Little K paint, she was relaxed, and the stress of the day had evaporated.