FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the best way to get the children to SIT STILL when I'm painting them?
Contributed by Stephanie Morgan

Keeping the "little ones" still as you paint them.

We've all had them, the little brothers or sisters that want what their big brothers or sisters had painted on their face. Then you glance at the
child, he's fidgety and squirming about or looks very young, with a short attention span.

Some little ones can hold still surprisingly well, while others can't sit still for more than a moment.

For the fidgety ones, the first thing I would do is to encourage them to have something painted on their arm.  If they see what's going on, they are
more likely to be interested and distracted. If they want their face painted, show them some quicker designs so they won't have to hold still so 
long.  If they want a full face, make sure you let them know before you start that this will take some time and that they need to be still.

Here are some ideas to keep them involved:

Tell a story while you paint, keep them distracted.  (A Little girl who was transformed into a beautiful princess. Talk about what you're doing as you
tell the story, ie.  "She had lips of ripe strawberries" as you paint her lipstick.

-or-  A brave boy, turned super hero, who saved the universe.  Etc)  The more you talk, the less chance they have of talking.

Some artists like to have a mirror so the child can look at themselves being painted. Be patient, talk soothingly. Keep a smile on your face.

Tell them that if they hold still, this will come out so cool or beautiful. If they move too much, it may look like a scrunched porcupine or a rotten 
apple. (Something visual, very opposite of what they are getting painted)

You can put one hand on their head to hold it steady.  Be careful not to put too much pressure though, their little necks can get tired.

My favorite way is, I have them lay their cheek on my hand.  Many times, it's so comfortable, they get limp and I've had some almost fall asleep.
Make sure you have an armrest to lean your arm on for support.

Let them take a break half way.  Do another child, then let them come back so you can finish.  You can plan on this by doing the basic design, if
 they look like they will hold still for longer, then add the extras.  If they don't come back, they still have something.

Let them hold a special toy or doll as they sit.  Then give them a sticker as they leave for holding so still.  This will encourage the other children
in line when it's their turn. If they have food in their hands let the parent hold their food. If they are chewing gum you might ask them to not
chew the gum for a while or even better spit it out.

If someone wants their infant done, tell them to come back when it's sleeping.

Only use approved face paint!!  Infants as well as small children, always put their hands and what not in their mouths!

Never, never, never let someone try to hold a child still by restraining them.  Not only will it give them a bad experience with face painting, but,
it can be dangerous.  One slip of the brush and they could get scraped or poked or worse, lose an eye. If the child is crying ask them to come
back when they want to get their faces painted.

If the child is nervous or a little scared you might have them sit on their mom's lap while you are painting. You might even paint a little something
on the mom's cheek or hand to show it does not hurt. Sometimes you might want to condense your normal painting. For example of you normally
paint a full face with white, yellow and orange as a base... you could simply paint the node black and paint on some whiskers. You can suggest
this to the parent or the child and receive direction from them before proceeding.

As a recap... smile, talk softly to the child, gently hold their head and reassure those that are hesitant. Don't be afraid to ask them to be still.

Stephanie Morgan a.k.a. Silly Millie  http://www.merlynarts.com/sillymillie/

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