The hour before dinner is often called the "witching hour." Kids are hungry and tired, and you’re trying to cook. Coloring at the kitchen table is a simple way to keep kids close, calm and busy.
Why the kitchen table works
- Close by. Kids want to be near you, and you can supervise.
- Conversation. You can chat while you cook.
- Calm. Coloring settles busy end-of-day energy.
Setup
- A tray with crayons and pages ready to go
- A wipe-clean table cover or placemat
- Seat kids away from the stove and sharp tools
Food-themed coloring
Kitchen coloring is the perfect time for food characters. Grumpy broccoli, smiling pizza and silly donuts from Trace Then Color: Cartoon Food Monsters make kids laugh. Ask: "What should we have for dinner tomorrow? Color it!"
Kitchen conversations
- "What color are carrots?"
- "Which food monster is your favorite?"
- "Can you color the vegetables we’re having tonight?"
Coloring food characters can even make picky eaters more curious about food.
Helping hands
Older kids can color a menu for dinner or place cards for the table.
Clean-up before dinner
Five-minute warning, then crayons back in the tray, and the table is ready.
Questions parents ask
My toddler won’t stay at the table. Any tips?
Offer a snack, keep sessions short and give them a simple job like stirring something cold.
Will food coloring pages help picky eaters?
There’s no guarantee, but playful, low-pressure exposure to food can help some kids feel more curious.
What about older kids?
Older kids can help cook, color menus or work on homework at the table.
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.
