My toddler is in the eating paper phase and the fling the paint phase. We are still having fun with paint but when we do my camera is safely on a shelf since I need two hands to wipe down the playroom walls. Today while her brother was at school we made this mess free butterfly craft with ribbons something she has no desire to eat or fling.  If your toddler’s reaction to an activity frustrates you find a way to connect and create with them that doesn’t push your buttons. I say all the time how if we make the challenge too great for our kids they shut down and stop learning well it goes for us too. If I am frustrated I am not connecting with my child and getting angry about exploration serves no one. Don’t give up on the messy stuff (they need it)  just try it again when you have the patience to deal with their exuberance.

1. Gather your materials. You will need some sturdy paper , contact paper , ribbons in your choice of colors , scissors and crayons.
2. Have your child color the paper first. I forgot.  For really little guys skipping this like I did is probably best, it’s another step that might make it too long. While they do that cut the ribbon.
3. Fold your paper and cut out a butterfly shape.
4. Cut out the middle.
5. Peel the back off your contact paper and press your butterfly on sticky side up.
6. Trim.
7. Give the butterfly to your child. She just felt it for a minute or two. I just let her explore.
8. Hand them the ribbon.  She immediately started adding it to the butterfly.
9. No need to help unless they seek it, every now and then I would say ” That’s a nice red ribbon.” or ” You found a yellow one.” but it wasn’t a constant dialog.
10. They will let you know when they are done. Activity will slow, items may start finding the floor… just know that toddlers typically won’t spend long on a structured activity like this and don’t feel like you are doing anything wrong .  We spent about 5 minutes total. This is her “done” she claps her hands once and says “un!”
11. Put it up where your little one can see what they made and know you think it’s fantastic!