How do I get my completely disinterested 15 month old son interested in crayoning?!

[Startathestart]

We've tried a few times but he is FAR more interested in putting the crayons in and out of the tub! I've laid out lots of big pieces of paper and shown him but zero interest. I'd like to introduce craftsy stuff like this but his interest is zero.

Am I being too ambitious at 15 months?

DS was at least 20 months before he developed an interest in crayons, pens or paint (other than to throw or eat them).

I think 15mths is too young. Some children just don't enjoy craft so there is no point forcing the issue anyway.

DS1 used to like me to draw things for him but never wanted to do it himself. DS2 didn't even want me to do that but now, at 8, has got into colouring with my very expensive felt tips.

I would offer the opportunity to have a go from time to time but I wouldn't stress if he still isn't interested. It hasn't done either of my two any harm.

I agree that paint holds their attention a bit longer than crayons if you can stand the mess and maybe playdough/plasticine but at 15mths they are just as likely to try and eat it as play with it.

I left my 2 yr old ds with crayons for 5 mins, he started to eat them because he was teething badly. Luckily they were non toxic ones, I cleaned his mouth and rang the doctor who said choking was the real danger. Sure enough when I looked at the pack it said for over 3 yrs.

I think moving them in and out of a box is pretty normal for 15 mths, what's the hurry?

oh, startattthestart, this is me too! i gave my 13 mo crayons to play with and he ate them. He did enjoy it though .

I've taken to giving him a pile of bubbles from the washing up (whilst I'm doing it) and letting him wash himself, his highchair etc with the bubbles. Another thing I saw on here that works well is painting with water or soaking paper until it disintegrates using a pastry brush, paper and water.

If you google too much you'll end up thinking that you should be playing with your ds all day when in reality, well, my reality, they're far happier left to their own devices emptying drawers and just generally making a mess.

Enjoy

Why does he ever have to have any interest in crayons?
Be lead by him - let him be who he is!

I would just keep offering it to him now and then. Don't really understand why everyone seems to be insisting its too young. If he's not interested then fine but its totally not too young for crayons they can start from about 12 months
Another idea if he's not keen on the crayons though what about stickers? and paint will probably be fun as already mentioned

Uninterested, not disinterested!

If someone is disinterested, it means they are a neutral party, or have nothing to gain or lose from a particular decision.

Now I'll slink back to Pedants' Corner.

Thanks all - great ideas

Handmade - you have way too much time on your hands

painting walls outside with water and a big decorating brush is great fun too. Mine love that and chalking the patio, followed by washing it with a big scrubbing brush

my ds is the same at 14 months. We bought him one of those mats that you can draw on with water. He was more interested in sooking the water out of the pen. Maybe give it another 6 months or so for that. Maybe even longer before i trust him with crayons !

I'd be really worried

Hullygully - "I'd be really worried"

I don't understand why people post comments like this. The OP is just asking a question and is suitably self-deprecating about whether she's being too ambitious. So why the sarcasm?

OP - my DS is only a bit older than yours and he's got no interest in crayons. He does like finger painting though.

I remember the HV telling me that I 'really should be giving [DC5] pencils and encouraging him to draw'. When he was ONE

I looked at her like this

FFS

Giotto felt pens. They are the only felt pen that TRULY washes off everything.

Very young, sorry. Or at least for some children. DS was utterly uninterested in anything like craft, art or painting until almost 3.

the only thing I can suggest is that you and your dh are seen crafting/producing art on a regular basis. That would tend to speed things up. But frankly, who can be bothered? i've never been interested in craft or drawing either!

Mine (4, 5) have never had the slightest interest in crayons, felt tips, colouring.

15 months is very, very young. I really wouldn't worry.

I would also like to know why the snarky comment from HullyGully?

Unless she genuinely would be worried, if so why?

DS1 was uninterested in drawing/crafts from day 1; he's now 12 and still hates it. Rarely came home from school with any type of artwork. Maybe it's a boy thing.

Now, anything with wheels on.....different story.

I wish my DC's weren't interested in craft. I fucking hate it and my house is full of junk models, felt tip pen marks and boxes of crap that I'm not allowed to recycle "because I can make a bus Mummy."

OP - make the most of the relative tidiness.

As and when he gets interested, try outside stuff - some decorating-size paint brushes, a bucket of water and a piece of wall or fence can maintain interest for an amazingly long time. Chalks on the pavement/path are also a goody.