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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Crayons - is 17m too early?

27 replies

cornflakegirl · 17/11/2006 09:51

My 17mo loves crayons - but is far more interested in eating them than drawing with them. Last time we let him use them, he chewed them so much that there were pretty patterns in his nappy the next day. Should I just give up for a few months?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

mumatuks · 17/11/2006 09:53

my son is also 17m and loves crayons. I've found various walls around the house "tagged" with his squiqqles!

I would let him use them, but as soon as he puts them in his mouth tell him "no not for eating" I don't mean shout at him, but be firm! (It's never to young for them to learn! )

terramum · 17/11/2006 10:19

My 29 month old DS still chews his crayons if I leave them with him for too long - hes not a great drawing fan so gets bored (or hungry!) easily I think. I keep trying them again after a few weeks but he always ends up eating them so I always make sure he is never left alone with them & I draw with him so they can be taken off him before he starts munching!

Marne · 17/11/2006 10:24

DD2 (8 months) got hold of dd2's crayons a few weeks ago and started to eat one, we ended up phoning NHS direct as we were worried and they told us that crayons have got something toxic in them but in sutch small amounts that they would have to eat loads before causing any damage.

DD2 has been using them since 15 months but has never put anything in her mouth, i would let him use them.

Original poster

cornflakegirl · 17/11/2006 10:27

we were particularly neglectful on the last occasion - we do normally try to tell him "no" before he ingests too much!

will keep trying him for short periods. and maybe try disguising his food as crayons...

OP posts:

terramum · 17/11/2006 10:38

Forgot to mention as well that if DS eats crayons it usually meant he was actually hungry so generally if I leave a rice cake or other snack within reach when he is using them he will eat that & leave the crayons!

Original poster

cornflakegirl · 17/11/2006 10:48

terramum - will try that

OP posts:

JessaJam · 17/11/2006 11:00

Nappy Art!

DS likes to 'taste' each crayon after each scribble...

Original poster

cornflakegirl · 17/11/2006 11:13

JJ - it really was! I considered selling it to Tate Modern...

OP posts:

jabberwocky · 17/11/2006 11:25

I think at that age we found chalk and a small chalkboard worked better for beginning scribbles.

mumofhelen · 17/11/2006 11:25

My daughter was given a pack of crayons by our health visitor as part of her Bookstart pack during her 18 months development check. In fact, as part of my daughter's 18 months development check she was expected to scribble using a crayon on a piece of paper. Which my daughter did, and then went to to draw on the walls. Being wax crayons, the "drawing" would not come off with normal soap and water, so we used some petroleum spirit, which not only took off the crayon marks, but also the paint. We ended up having to repaint the wall. In answer to your question, if you don't mind the consequences of your daughter using crayons, then I think you should carry on letting her use them.

hana · 17/11/2006 11:26

dd2 was prpob using them at that age because of older sister - she actually went straight to markers and bypassed crayones much to my annoyance! she refuses to use crayons at all.....brings out a big tantrum and she's not even 2!

jabberwocky · 17/11/2006 11:28

Ds was also much more comfortable with markers before crayons. They are just easier to use, I think. Just make sure you get the washable kind!

OonaghBhuna · 17/11/2006 12:56

I think as long as they are supervised then its ok. My Dd started at 15 months, she is now 18 months and loves crayons. She also loves felt tips and ts amazing to see the difference in her work even after a couple of months. Crayola do all the water based materials which are safe for toddlers. Also they love to paint and do handprints. As long as you prepare for the mess its ok. I bought huge plastic dust sheets and plastic sheeting for the table, also have soapy water close by....Making art is such good fun and so important for their emotional development.

Original poster

cornflakegirl · 17/11/2006 13:04

Hmmmm... might leave the really messy stuff for toddler group and washable floors! I've seen what he can do with porridge and yogurt

Maybe I'll get him some chalks and some markers for christmas...

OP posts:

peanutbutterkid · 17/11/2006 13:05

My children have never liked to use crayons, at all.

PinkTinsel · 17/11/2006 13:11

i bought dd the big chunky crayola ones at 11 months. she's 21 months now and still loves them. if she started eating them they just got taken away and she learned very quickly not to do it!

OonaghBhuna · 17/11/2006 13:31

I agree pinktinsel, in fact the more they get used to them the less they will want to chew them.

kitbit · 17/11/2006 19:21

We gave ds crayons wrapped around with sellotape at least halfway, then if we weren't fast enough to stop him snacking on them at least he didn't get anywhere by chewing! It also meant I didn't have to sound quite so scary when I said 'no' as it wasn't so urgent to stop him NOW !!

NannyL · 17/11/2006 20:51

not at all

14 month old charge loves drawing

he Had felt pens for the 1st time today!

PinkTinsel · 17/11/2006 21:26

oooo, i haven't been brave enough for felt pens yet! pencil and crayon comes off the walls but felt pen might be trickier. we've also decided to put the paints on a very high shelf for the forseeable future following 'the incident'

hulababy · 17/11/2006 21:27

Aquadraw is really useful at this age for drawing.

OonaghBhuna · 17/11/2006 22:13

Felt tips are great.DD sits up at our computer table every morning for her daily scribble. She puts all the lids back on the pens when she has finished. Then she emptys the box of crayons a few times and then we put them back together. She has a whole collection of scribble drawings now. I am going to get them ring bound so I can keep them all.I just think its amazing to see her development.

duke · 17/11/2006 22:18

I let my ds 2.4 use pens and crayons as soon as he could hold them, i was too excited to wait. He is really good with them and knows to use them only on paper. However today he was using a prit stick as lipstick.

PinkTinsel · 17/11/2006 22:43

i keep them all too.... i've got a folder with the words 'dd's art' ont the front and the really funky ones go on her bedroom walls. i absolutey love kids art!

southeastastra · 17/11/2006 22:44

le them play with them as soon as they can!

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