The tween years, roughly 10 to 12, bring big changes: more schoolwork, more social pressure, more screens and the first stirrings of adolescence. Coloring might seem like something tweens have left behind, but many find it a welcome escape when it feels like their own thing.
Why coloring fits tweens
- Stress relief. A calm, screen-free activity that settles busy minds.
- Self-expression. Color choices, styles and designs say something about who they are.
- Social. Coloring while chatting with friends is relaxed and fun.
- Creative confidence. It’s an art activity with a built-in starting point.
Making it feel grown-up
The right subjects
Tweens want cool, funny, detailed or quirky. Gross-out humor still lands: Trace Then Color: Crusty Goobers 2. Sci-fi detail too: Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs. People characters invite fashion and style: Trace Then Color: Cartoon People.
Real art supplies
Quality colored pencils, fine liners, brush pens and gel pens make coloring feel like art. See gel pens and metallic markers and are alcohol markers OK for kids?.
Their own space
A desk corner or a portable kit they can take to their room.
Projects tweens enjoy
- Character fashion design. Restyle a cartoon person’s outfit.
- Stickers. Color characters on sticker paper and cut them out.
- Phone wallpaper. Photograph a finished page and use it as a background.
- Gifts. Bookmarks, cards and posters for friends.
- Comics. Short comic strips with traced characters.
Coloring and wellbeing
Many adults use coloring to unwind, and research with adults and teens suggests it can reduce short-term anxiety. For tweens, it can be one of several healthy coping tools, alongside exercise, sleep and talking to trusted people. See coloring before a test.
Screen balance
Coloring is an easy screen-free alternative. Some tweens enjoy coloring while listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts, which feels social and relaxing. See screen-free coloring afternoons.
Questions parents ask
My tween says coloring is babyish. Should I push it?
No pushing. Offer cool supplies and books and let them come to it.
Are adult coloring books OK for tweens?
Many are, but check content and detail level.
Can coloring help tweens with anxiety?
It can be a helpful calming activity. For ongoing anxiety, talk to a pediatrician or counselor.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
