Kim and Carrots: For toddlers who feel the stress of holiday preparations, finger-painting can be a soothing activity. Spread out an old sheet or shower curtain as a drop cloth, roll up everyone's sleeves, and find some old shirts to use as smocks. A nearby pan of soapy water will give you a head start on handwashing.
The fun of finger-painting is in the doing, so you needn't use paper. A cookie sheet will do. If your child is hesitant about getting his hands messy, let him start by moving the paint around with a spoon.
For instant finger paint, add a few drops of food coloring to some mild, unscented aerosol shaving cream, or a little flour stirred into baby lotion, or a cup of flour mixed with two…
