My son won’t stop scratching on the walls at home. I don’t know what to do. Every time I turn around, I see a new scribble. I’ve tried everything: scolding him, taking away his crayons, even giving him paper to draw on, but nothing works. I’m frustrated because the house feels like a children’s art gallery, and I don’t even know how to clean it all up. Help!
My son went through this phase, and I swear I almost lost it. It’s like they see a blank wall and just have to leave their mark. I tried giving him those big rolls of butcher paper and taping them to the wall, thinking he’d draw on the paper instead of the wall; no. He just moved to another wall. I even bought one of those magic erasers, but I scrubbed every day and my arms hurt, haha.
I really don’t have a magic solution, but I want you to know you’re not alone. My house felt like a cave painting exhibit for months. Eventually, he grew out of it… but not before he got creative and started scratching the furniture too. I hope that’s not your next step! I’m sending you strength
Oh, what memories! My daughter was obsessed with decorating our walls when she was about 2, and nothing stopped her. I even tried sitting down with her and teaching her the rules of the walls, like only touching them with her hands, not crayons, but she thought it was a game and laughed.
What finally worked sort of was getting a giant chalkboard decal and putting it in the area where she drew the most. It didn’t stop her overnight, but she did start using it more than the walls after a while. Also, for cleaning, if it’s crayon, a little baking soda and water paste can help remove it. If it’s marker… eh, good luck, haha.
Cheer up. Your house will look normal again someday. Maybe. Hopefully
Oh, I’ve been through this with my son, and I promise you it gets better. My son was worse. He even learned how to peel off paint, so that was fun.
Here’s what worked for us:
Wall space for them: We made one wall in the playroom ideal for drawing. We used chalkboard paint and dry-erase markers (over a specific type of paint) so they could draw.
Redirection, not punishment: Whenever he drew on the wall, instead of scolding him, I would say, Walls aren’t for drawing! Come draw here!
Toddler finger painting on a large easel: Let them have fun without wrecking the house.
Also, Mr. Clean magic erasers were my best cleaning friends. If you haven’t tried them yet, get a pack as soon as possible
This is super common at this age! Toddlers love cause and effect, so when they draw and see the mark they made, it’s satisfying. The challenge is changing where they do it.
Try this:
- Create a drawing space: Tape a large piece of paper on the wall where they usually scribble and give them stickers, crayons, whatever. Praise them when they use that space.
- Introduce it when they get it: When they scribble somewhere else, say, “Oops! Crayons are only for paper. No more crayons!” And keep going.
- Try retexturing the walls: Some kids scratch their walls because they like the feel. In that case, textured wallpaper or wall decals can help.
- Cleaning Tip: Isopropyl alcohol works with markers. White toothpaste works with crayons. It’s a phase. Cheer up!
Haha, I think all little kids think they’re Picasso. My son once found a permanent marker I thought I’d hidden and turned my white hallway into his personal masterpiece. Nothing like seeing a giant stick figure family drawn at eye level as you walk in.
The only thing that really helped was buying one of those water-based drawing mats. He thought it was just as fun as real markers, thankfully, and at least it saved my walls. It doesn’t always work, but hey, worth a try?
Wow! I’m in the same boat. I’ve tried hiding crayons, redirecting his path, and even letting him decorate cardboard boxes, but he always returns to the walls. Do you think it’s boredom or just a phase they’re growing out of? I feel like I’m constantly cleaning and repainting. If anyone has a magic solution, please share it, because I need it too!