Siblings can go from best friends to sworn enemies in seconds. Coloring together can help, as long as the setup prevents the usual triggers.
Set up to prevent fights
- Own supplies. Each child has their own crayon cup, at least at first.
- Own pages. Each child picks their page.
- Elbow room. Sit across from each other, not side by side.
- Two of the favorites. Avoid fights over the one pink marker.
Cooperative games
Team page
Siblings color one big character together, each doing certain parts.
Swap halfway
Each colors half a page, then swaps.
Matching pets
Each colors a pet and they become "pet friends." Trace Then Color: Cartoon Cats and Dogs.
Monster family
Each colors a monster, then they create a monster family. Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Monsters.
Gross-out contest
For older siblings, who can make the grossest Crusty Goober? Trace Then Color: Crusty Goobers. Laughter is a great conflict buster.
See sharing crayons for more social coloring ideas.
When arguments happen
- Stay calm. Describe the problem: "You both want the green."
- Ask for solutions. "What could we do?"
- Use a timer for sharing.
- Separate if needed. Sometimes coloring in different rooms is the answer.
Avoid comparing
Never compare siblings’ coloring. Praise each for their own effort and choices.
Different ages
Give each sibling a book suited to their age. See matching Trace Then Color books to each sibling.
Questions parents ask
Should siblings share all supplies?
Shared supplies teach sharing, but having some personal supplies reduces fights.
My older child mocks the younger one’s coloring. What can I do?
Address it calmly, praise kindness and give the older child a helper role.
Is it OK to separate siblings for coloring?
Yes. Sometimes everyone needs space.
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.
