If you’re a parent like me, you’ve probably had your fair share of coloring pages lying around the house — stuck to the fridge, crumpled in backpacks, or stashed in drawers with broken crayons. For the longest time, I thought coloring pages were just a way to keep my kids busy so I could answer emails or finish the dishes.
But over the years, I’ve come to see them differently. Coloring has become something way more meaningful in our home — a quiet time, a creative outlet, even a chance to connect. I’ve seen firsthand how a simple coloring page can light something up in my kids, and I wanted to share a few thoughts in case you’ve ever wondered if they’re really “worth it.”
Are Coloring Pages Actually Good for Kids?
To be honest, I used to feel a little conflicted. I’d read articles warning that coloring sheets can limit creativity, that they force kids to color inside someone else’s lines. And sure, if that’s all a child is doing, I understand the concern.
But I’ve seen how, when used with flexibility and intention, coloring pages can actually spark something more. They’ve helped my kids in ways I didn’t expect — and not just creatively.
They Build Real Skills (While Kids Think They’re Just Having Fun)
Coloring helps my youngest grip a pencil correctly — something that used to frustrate him with writing. It’s taught my daughter to slow down and focus, especially when she’s working on a page full of tiny details. They’ve both gotten better at staying patient, seeing something through from start to finish.
I’ve seen them gain:
- Fine motor control (great for handwriting and crafts)
- Hand-eye coordination (matching motion to vision)
- Confidence (the proud smile when they finish a page says it all)
- Emotional regulation (a quiet moment with crayons can work wonders after a long day)
It Doesn’t Kill Creativity — It Can Jumpstart It
Let me tell you about the Great Dane moment.
One afternoon, I printed out a Great Dane coloring sheet because my daughter was obsessed with Scooby-Doo. She spent so much time coloring it — she gave the dog purple ears, rainbow spots, and a bright green collar. I thought that would be the end of it, but then she asked me for blank paper.
“Now I want to draw his house,” she said. Then she drew a dragon. Then a princess walking the Great Dane down the street.
That one page — the printed one — wasn’t the limit. It was the spark. She wasn’t copying. She was expanding the story in her own head. And that’s when I realized that coloring pages don’t have to box kids in. Sometimes they give them a launchpad to fly from.
What Are Mandala Coloring Pages?
If you’ve never heard of mandala coloring pages, they’re these beautiful circular patterns with repeating shapes and symmetry. They’re often used in mindfulness practices and meditation — and they’re surprisingly calming for kids too.
I keep a few on hand for quiet afternoons. My kids like them after a long school day when they’re a little wound up. There’s something about the rhythm of coloring those repeated shapes that helps them settle. Honestly? Sometimes I print one for myself too.
Yes — Coloring Pages Are for Adults Too
I used to think adult coloring books were a bit of a gimmick… until I tried one. One evening, the kids were coloring and I decided to join in — just to keep them company. I picked a floral mandala and colored for about 20 minutes without even realizing how relaxed I’d become.
It was like my brain finally took a break. No screens, no multitasking, just color and quiet. Now I get why adult coloring books are everywhere. They’re not childish — they’re healing.
How We Color at Home
Here’s what coloring looks like in our house: nothing fancy, no big setup, just a small basket with supplies and a drawer full of printed pages.
We use:
- Crayons (some broken, some peeled, all well-loved)
- Markers and colored pencils
- Blank paper and coloring sheets
- Occasionally watercolor paints for a special project
My kids don’t always stay in the lines, and that’s okay. Sometimes they blend colors. Sometimes they scribble. And sometimes they turn a flower into a spaceship. That’s the fun of it.
My rule: I never tell them what color something “should” be. The sky can be purple. Dogs can be green. Let them explore. Let them own it.
Where We Find Coloring Pages
There are tons of great websites out there with free printable coloring pages. One we use often is Coloring Bunch — they’ve got everything from dinosaurs and unicorns to seasonal themes and educational printables.
I usually print a few at the beginning of the week and leave them out. There’s no pressure to color them — but the kids always end up gravitating toward them when they need something quiet to do.
It’s also our go-to activity for:
- Road trips
- Waiting rooms
- Restaurants
- Rainy days
Seriously, it’s the easiest screen-free solution I’ve found for keeping little hands (and minds) busy.
Why Coloring Still Matters in Our House
Coloring pages might seem simple — and they are — but that’s kind of the beauty of them.
They help my kids:
- Calm down after overstimulating days
- Feel proud of finishing something
- Practice skills they’ll need in school and life
- Express themselves without having to “get it right”
They also give us a way to connect. Some of my favorite conversations with my kids have happened while we were coloring side by side, just talking about the day or the weird things they’re drawing.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Open
If your kids love coloring, let them do it. If they’re not into it, don’t force it. But don’t write it off, either.
Coloring pages aren’t about making perfect art. They’re about making space — for creativity, calm, learning, and expression.
In our house, they’ve become more than just busy work. They’re little pockets of peace, moments of discovery, and tools for growth. And all it takes is a sheet of paper and a crayon.
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