The Hidden Benefits of Colouring for All Ages
Colouring has long been thought of as a simple children’s pastime – something to keep little hands busy on a rainy afternoon. But in recent years we’ve begun to understand just how powerful colouring can be, not only for children but for teens and adults too.
Why Colouring Matters for Children
Fine motor skills: Holding crayons or pencils strengthens little fingers and develops control.
Concentration and patience: Finishing a picture requires focus – an important skill for school and life.
Creativity: Even when children are working within outlines, they are making choices about colours and expression.
Emotional regulation: Colouring can be calming after a busy day, helping children wind down.
Why Teens Can Benefit Too
Teenagers often experience stress from exams, friendships, and the transition into adulthood. Colouring offers:
A mindful, screen-free break.
A low-pressure creative outlet.
An accessible way to reduce stress and anxiety.
And Adults Are Rediscovering Colouring
Adult colouring books soared in popularity during “lockdowns” and since – and for good reason. Colouring can reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage mindfulness. It offers a moment to pause, step away from busy schedules, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of creating something colourful. When you are colouring in a picture you enjoy, everything else fades away.
When to Use Colouring
Colouring works well at all sorts of moments:
As a calming activity before bedtime.
As a “quiet time” option after school.
As a family activity around the table.
As a stress-relief break for teens and adults.
Helpful Resources
At Small Publishing Ltd, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful colouring can be through our work at Activity Village, which offers (literally) thousands of colouring pages to our members – from simple outlines for toddlers to intricate designs for older children and adults.
Colouring isn’t “just keeping busy.” It’s a fun, creative, and therapeutic activity that benefits all ages. Whether you’re 4 or 64, picking up some colouring pencils could be just what you need today.
Who remembers colouring at the kitchen table with their mother?