My son was never interested in coloring. It was probably a combination of his vision problems and his sensory processing disorder. But over the years we have done plenty of occupational therapy to help him develop his fine motor skills so he could participate in the world - be more comfortable and more confident in himself. And once we addressed his self-esteem issues that surrounded being a young artist, the floodgates opened.
Turning the Corner
Nowadays he has embraced writing and coloring and drawing. I love to see the stuff he brings home, the gifts he makes for himself and the people he loves. And since his interest has grown, we all have had more opportunities to do art together, especially coloring. What I didn't see coming was how much my kids would LOVE "adult" coloring books.
Like Moths to a Flame
We have perpetually had character coloring books around the house, typically untouched. Strawberry shortcake, teenage mutant ninja turtles, Disney princesses...all of them partially used before being set aside for something "more interesting." When I got an "adult" coloring book for Christmas, my kids flocked to it, and to me, like moths to a flame. They exclaimed that the pictures were so interesting and begged to either help me with my coloring page or have one of their own.
See... Sharing IS Fun
I am very happy to have coloring together as a regular activity in the house. We often find ourselves sitting together after dinner has been eaten and the kitchen cleaned. We listen to a book on tape and take turns with markers or colored pencils. Sometimes we take turns with the page on which we are working. It turns out that adult coloring books are not just for adults. Preschoolers enjoy them, too!
Find One that Suits You (I Mean Them)
Here is a list of the different "adult" coloring books that my four year old and six year old enjoy:
Illusions
http://www.mindware.com/modern-patterns-illusions-coloring-book-a2-36017.fltr?Ntt=coloring
Garden
https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/chronicle_books/secret_garden.cfm#
Patterns of the Universe
https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/workman_publishing/patterns_of_the_universe.cfm
And some adult activity books:
Mosaics - Something for the older child who knows his or her numbers and letters.
http://www.mindware.com/mystery-mosaics-book-a2-56191.fltr
Extreme Dot to Dot (there are a lot of themes but for the Iggy Peck fans I'm showing you the "Around the World" one)
http://www.mindware.com/extreme-dot-to-dot-destinations-set-of-a2-69066.fltr?Ntt=extreme
https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/monkeying_around/the_greatest_dot_to_dot_books.cfm
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