My 4yr old and 6 yr old have just drawn on the bloody living room walls

[travellingwilbury]

They have never done this before , and it isn't even anywhere discreet . It is right above the friggin sofa .

Now before I sell them on ebay , or lock them in a cupboard , please give me a suitable punishment .

Can't get it off either .

Oh no, how annoying. If it's felt tip try baby wipes/make up remover. If it's biro, spray it now really close with hairspray and then scrub.

(These both assuming it's paint on the walls and not wallpaper)

OMG. My 2yo did this not so long ago all over my bedroom wall. I couldn't get it off either so will have to re-paint.

Don't know what punishment would be suitable. When my ds1 did this I sent him to his room, for his own safety!

Confiscate their pencils etc for a couple of days and give them a good talking to.

We've painted a section of wall with blackboard paint so they can scribble all they like; or chalk on the terrace.

It is crayon , I have just realised .

What are the chances of getting it off ?

They are in the bath now , the eldest is very very sorry and the youngest is making the right noises but actually doesn't seem to give a shite .

At age four they can say sorry but they don't seem to mean it at this age. By age six they really seem to feel sorry; it's not just a word.

Why on earth would a 6yr old (alright I know he is not a grown up but even still) suddenly think this was an ok thing to do after not doing anything of the sort all this time .

Buggery bugger !

Try rubbing it out - might lift the colour off

because it seemed fun at the time, that's why.

They dont; think through to the consequences.

(I mean with a pencil eraser)

My dd1 was about three when she took out her hair slide and used it to scratch a drawing on the varnished wardrobe. I was angry, and just a bit impressed at her imagination.

OMG, will you have to re decorate?, my ds aged 4 has just soaked the whole bathroom floor, managed to soak it up with the vax..I sent him to bed

he is fast asleep now

Oh, crayon as in wax crayon? If so, put newspaper/greaseproof paper over it and iron it, then press as hard as you can. It should melt the wax and transfer it to the paper.

Belgo , that did raise a smile , I t is the most obvious uncomplicated answer and def the right one I am sure .

I have said they are not going to the skate park tomorrow as a punishment but is it pointless carrying over punishment to the next day ? I generally like to get things done , dusted and out the way . But then they are not normally such buggers .

I would still take them to the skate park; I don't think canceling outings is effective at this age as a punishment because it will just seem unfair to them.

And the skate park will help use up their energy and keep them out of mischief!

Like I said, confiscate crayons, as then the punishment relates directly to the crime.

minipie , thankyou The eraser seems to be working . I wouldn't have even tried it on crayon .

They are now offering up there savings to pay for new paint . I am weakening on the really cross front . Just glad they are in the bathroom and can't see me .

Early night and glass of wine I reckon .

I think you are right belgo , I don't really like the idea of still punishing them tomorrow for today . Especially now I think it is going to all come off .

Is it really bad to want to leave it there until they go to bed so they don't know if I am going to use their pocket money for paint
I won't really do this but the evil side of me is tempted .

Must remember they are 4 and 6 and not teenagers .

enjoy your wine

Oh for goodness sake.

Get a Magic Eraser. It will come straight off in a matter of seconds.

Make them help. Speak to them about never doing it again. Ever drawing on walls, toys, furniture, whatever again results in drawing things going away for a day.

Give them a giant blackboard. You can buy static-cling blackboard on a roll now.

Don't punish them. They know they did wrong. Tell them what will happen if they do it again. That's enough.

"They are now offering up there savings to pay for new paint"

Aw bless.

Glad the eraser works.

Agree with slouching - best punishment is taking away drawing stuff.