The day we painted the counters green...

When I first became a parent, I had a strict rule: no messes allowed. The idea of someone stopping by unexpectedly and catching me with a less-than-perfect home gave me heart palpitations. Every inch of the house had to be spotless, every toy in its place, and heaven forbid a single smudge on the wall. Because of this, I never let the kids anywhere near paintbrushes, let alone actual paint. The mere thought of paint splatters on my pristine floors or, worse, on the walls made me sweat. So, art projects were strictly off-limits, and I slept soundly at night, knowing my house was as tidy as a museum.

Fast forward a decade or so, and I’ve had a change of heart—and possibly a little more coffee. In my quest for cleanliness, I realized I was missing out on something more valuable: the joy and creativity of letting kids be kids, mess and all. There’s something magical about giving kids paint, paintbrushes, and a blank canvas. It’s like handing them a golden ticket to express all their wildest ideas, creative impulses, and, yes, a little chaos. Sure, there’s the risk of your walls getting an accidental makeover or your dog turning into a rainbow pup, but isn’t that part of the adventure? Let’s be honest: kids with paint are disasters waiting to happen. And honestly, that’s where the fun begins.

Jubilee is the ringleader for initiating painting time in our home. She lays it all out for herself, making sure every square inch of the table is covered in a drop cloth, and then, within minutes, all her siblings join her without ever being asked. It’s hours and hours of entertainment, and thankfully, they're all old enough that I don't need to supervise anymore. However, Jubilee is the reason my counter is now green today.

Now, let’s discuss the joy of watching a child discover color. Remember the awe you felt the first time you mixed blue and yellow and magically got green? Kids experience that same joy every time they dip their brush into a pool of paint. The look of wonder on their faces when they create a new color, the thrill of making a big, bold stroke on a canvas—it’s pure, unfiltered creativity. Plus, it’s an excellent way for them to learn about colors without realizing they’re learning. It’s educational, but don’t tell them that. They think they’re just having fun, and honestly, so do I.

Of course, giving kids paint can lead to some, let’s say, unexpected outcomes. For example, when they decide the canvas isn’t quite big enough for their masterpiece, suddenly, your kitchen floor becomes the next best thing. But here’s the thing—these little mishaps are where memories are made. You’ll laugh (eventually) about when your kid turned the dog into a walking piece of art or when your entire living room looked like a Monet painting. And really, can you put a price on those kinds of memories? Besides, nothing bonds a family quite like a group effort to scrub paint off the walls before Dad gets home.

Paint by Numbers is my favorite "blank canvas" for my younger children. This is how Solomon quickly learned his numbers and colors when he was four. Now, he's working on coloring-mixing and fine motor skills. Typically, Solomon is the head mess maker; today, he only spilled the rinse cup a few times. 😉

Beyond the fun and the mess, painting teaches kids patience, concentration, and even problem-solving. They learn that sometimes, the color doesn’t come out quite right, or the brush doesn’t do what they want it to do. But they keep going, adjusting, and figuring it out. It’s a safe space for them to make mistakes and learn that it’s okay—not every painting needs to be perfect. Sometimes, the best art comes from “happy accidents,” and that’s a lesson they’ll carry with them long after the paint dries.

So, while my house may not be as spotless as it once was, it’s filled with creativity, laughter, and a few paint splatters here and there. But those paint splatters represent memories, creativity, and the freedom to express ourselves without fear of making a mess. And that, I’ve learned, is far more important than an immaculate house. Just keep those paper towels within arm’s reach—and maybe consider buying drop cloths in bulk.