Grandparents and grandkids don’t always share the same interests. Video games, sports and screens can leave some grandparents on the sidelines. Coloring is different. Anyone can do it, it’s calm and it’s a natural way to spend time together.
Why coloring works for grandparents and grandkids
- No special skills needed.
- Relaxing for adults too. Many older adults enjoy coloring.
- Conversational. Stories flow when hands are busy.
- Gentle. Good for grandparents with limited mobility or energy.
- Lasting. Pages become keepsakes.
In-person ideas
- Grandma’s coloring box. Keep a special set of books and crayons at the grandparents’ house, only for visits.
- Color and tell. Grandparents color while telling stories from when they were kids, or about the child’s parent as a kid.
- Family portraits. Each person colors a cartoon person to look like a family member. Trace Then Color: Cartoon People works well.
- Pet portraits. Color a cat or dog like the family pet. Trace Then Color: Cartoon Cats and Dogs.
Long-distance ideas
- Mail a page. Kids color half and mail it; grandparents color the other half and mail it back.
- Video call coloring. Both color the same page on a video call and show each other at the end.
- Matching books. Send both households the same book and color the same page each week.
- Postcard art. Kids color a small page and mail it as a postcard.
Gentle pages
For little grandkids, simple pages like Trace Then Color: Baby Animals are easy to share. Grandparents can trace the outline while the child colors.
A gift idea
A coloring book plus a set of crayons for grandparents and grandkids to share is a thoughtful, inexpensive gift. See the coloring gift basket.
Questions families ask
My parent has arthritis. Can they still color?
Thick crayons, triangular pencils and markers that glide easily can help. Pencil grips may also help.
What if grandparents live far away?
Mail and video calls work wonderfully. Consistency, like a weekly page, builds connection.
Is coloring good for older adults?
Many older adults find coloring relaxing and enjoyable. It’s widely used in senior activity programs.
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.
