Before even starting this project, instill a you-can-do-anything attitude with the kids, you know like Steve Jobs. I truly believe his legacy is encouraging creative thinking in young children, in everyone.

Do you ever paint “things” with them, “stuff!” Look around the house. What kind of things would be fine for them to paint? Do a search together. If you have a role of brown paper, that’s really great. Roll it out along the floor and paint it — any way they like! How about some boxes — all kinds of sizes, just so it will absorb paint. Do you have wooden spools, sea shells, can you collect rocks? How about some pieces of smooth lumber that you’re not using. OH WOW — How about a garage wall?? Now, THAT would be a great keepsake!

I remember when Amy was little, I took a small carton, spread newspaper on the floor and we painted it purple, every single inch of it. Later I painted in black — “Amy’s Book Box” — and we still have it in a closet today. Painting big objects is really fun for kids. Just think about protecting the area around it, including them. Try one of your old tee shirts for a cover-up.

Go on a search in your home … maybe in Home Depot! Pieces of smooth wood couldn’t cost too much money. Maybe after they paint it, they’d like to take a hammer and large nails and nail them together into a sculpture. Anything is possible, you know!