Best for this moment
for calmer, lower-pressure moments, especially when you need an indoor option.
My Turn, Your Turn Painting
At a glance: Share one paintbrush and one piece of paper, taking turns to add a stroke each — practising patience and cooperation through art. A 15-minute, low-energy indoor activity for ages 19m–4y.
Turn-taking is the social scaffolding that underpins sharing, conversation, and cooperative play, yet it is one of the most challenging skills for toddlers to master because it requires impulse control and the ability to wait. This activity distils turn-taking into its simplest form: one paintbrush, one piece of paper, one stroke each. The visual result — a shared painting — provides a tangible record of collaboration, and the sensory pleasure of painting keeps motivation high even during the waiting moments. Over time, the pattern of 'my turn, your turn' becomes internalised as a social rhythm.
Parent tip
Set out construction paper and newspaper before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in creativity.
More help for this situation
Meltdowns and tantrums
Meltdown
Start with calm regulation, then move to a simple activity that helps the moment settle.
Read the meltdown guideInstructions
- Lay newspaper or an old sheet on the floor and tape a large piece of construction paper on top.
- Set out three or four pots of washable paint and one paintbrush. Say: 'We're going to make a painting together — but we only have one brush!'
- Take the first turn yourself: choose a colour, make one big stroke, and say 'My turn — done! Now it's YOUR turn.'
- Hand the brush to your child and let them make their mark. Say: 'Your turn — what colour will you choose?'
- When they finish their stroke, gently say: 'Now it's my turn again.' Extend your hand for the brush.
- Continue taking turns for eight to ten rounds. Narrate the cooperation: 'Look what we're making together!'
- If your child struggles to hand the brush back, count to three together: 'One, two, three — my turn!' Keep it cheerful.
- When the painting is finished, hold it up together and say: 'We made this! Your part AND my part — it's beautiful because we shared.'
Why it helps
Turn-taking requires inhibitory control — the executive function that allows a child to suppress the urge to act immediately and wait for their moment. Practising this skill in a highly motivating context (art) lowers the frustration threshold and builds positive associations with waiting. The shared end product also teaches joint attention and cooperative goal-setting, both of which are precursors to more complex social play like collaborative pretend scenarios.
Variations
- Play with a sibling instead of a parent — sit between them and facilitate the turn-taking, handing the brush back and forth.
- Use finger paint instead of a brush — each person adds one fingerprint per turn, building a collaborative pattern.
- Add a rule: each person must use a different colour from the last turn, which adds a cognitive challenge to the patience practice.
Safety tips
- Use only non-toxic, washable paints and check the label for age-appropriateness.
- Dress your child in old clothes or use a painting apron — 'lots' of mess is part of the fun.
- Supervise paint pots closely to prevent tipping, and keep wet paintings out of reach while drying.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
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