How to Get a Toddler to Stop Writing on Walls

Sooner or later, kids with crayons seem inevitably to stray onto the walls around the house, not to worry when this happens, here's a solution!

1.     Store art materials out of reach when they're not in use. When they are in use, provide appropriate surfaces for drawing, and supervise. This is as much for the child's safety as for your walls because small children can put things in their mouth.

2.     Emphasize that all artwork is done on paper (or other approved medium) not on other things. Use short, direct language. When art work goes wandering, redirect the toddler. If the child persists, take away the materials immediately.

1.     Make a wall just for drawing on. Decide which wall is going to be approved for your toddler to write on. Measure this space's width, and about a foot over your toddler's head. Or get a board strictly for writing. Explain this is the wall they can write on, and not to write on or outside the tape. If they write on any other wall, they will be disciplined.

2.     Teach the toddler to write on paper.

3.     Be consistent and patient with your toddler. It may be hard for him or her to understand the difference between drawing on one surface versus another.