Relax and learn colours with your child as you give each other home manicures.
Time: 30 minutes
Age: Any Age
Level: Easy
Materials
Nail polish in various colours
A shallow bowl of warm water and baby soap
A cloth to dry hands with
Set up your nail station in a relaxed atmosphere. Choose a place with a nice view, an interesting window or something to watch eg. a fish tank would be ideal. This will help both you and your child relax, and help them enjoy waiting for their nails to dry.
Soak your child's finger tips in the warm water for as long as they like.
Dry their hand, and massage the hand lotion. Take your time relaxing their hands. These little hands are very busy every day, they will enjoy having a moment of pampering.
Dip the cotton pad in the warm soapy water. Wipe it over your child's nails, as nail polish will not paint over hand lotion.
Let your child choose which colours and patterns they would like on each nail. As you paint, discuss each colour. What things do they know that are this colour? How does this colour make them feel? Have they ever worn an item of clothing of this colour? Have they ever tasted anything of this colour?
Leave their nails to dry, in the meantime, put your own finger tips in the shallow bowl of water, give them a nice long soak while you relax with your child.
Once your child's nails are dry, it's your turn to be pampered! Be brave, let them choose the colours and let them paint without giving direction or guidance.
