Parenting 

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Pumpkins for pre-schoolers

When preparing for Halloween, the first activity that comes to mind is carving a pumpkin. Unfortunately, it is hard to involve a pre-schooler in this activity: the knives are too sharp and it is difficult for a child this age to draw a face on such a round, bumpy surface.

But there are ways to decorate a pumpkin that even a toddler can cope with, if you can get away from the traditional idea of what a jack-o'-lantern should look like! Try these ideas at your home and enjoy the results and time spent together.

Painted pumpkins
Constructed pumpkins
Paper bag pumpkins
Balloon volleyball
Carving pumpkins with older children

Painted pumpkins
This is one of the easiest activities you can do.

What you'll need

• Small pumpkins (1 for each child)
• Washable acrylic paints
• Large, fat paintbrushes
• Old newspapers
• Paint aprons

What to do
Choose pumpkins in a size that your kids can pick up and handle comfortably. Then forget about carving and think about painting instead. Cover the floor with newspaper, cover your children with paint aprons, and set out several colours of paint and big, fat paintbrushes. Then step back and let your kids get creative.

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