We are Seeking Input

   

Tonight, I despise Crayola.

     Ryan and I have been lying awake, brainstorming solutions for a concrete, new problem. I can't go to sleep until I Lament, and hopefully get some concrete feedback.
      In 6 days we have had 5 separate instances of crayons on the walls. Etienne has colored on the walls/cabinets/floor, and now, tonight six different spots upstairs.
     The crayons and all writing utensils are kept in the family desk, in the kitchen, with easy access to promote creativity.  We don't want to move them because Molly and Blake are constantly coming up with something (letter to Sports Illustrated, a new comic strip about kittens) and it is in a central, easy to see location in our home.  Etienne has not been allowed to use anything in this area without one of us for a long time.  Plus, we really don't have anywhere that E can't get to.  So that isn't an option.
     After the first instance of marker on the bedroom wall, I made a solution of dye free/fragrance free detergent and water.  It was from "How to Clean Everything," copyright 1979, one of my favorite hand-me-downs from my mom.  Well that got the marker off, but also the paint.  The woodwork and hardwoods have been easier to scrub off.  So I'm wondering if anyone has any cleaning suggestions.  At this point, I could care less if they are kid safe or environmentally friendly.  Let's get real.  At bedtime, I discovered a door, closet, bedroom wall, bathroom wall and hallway with black crayon.  I really, really need something that isn't going to take all day and all my elbow grease to work.
     My second request is feedback for responding in a manner that will continue to promote attachment .  The first few times, we made him attempt cleaning and sit next to us while we worked.  Then last night we made him read books while our guest children played.  Obviously, none of this has impacted him.  Suggestions?
     It's also important to note that our child is still so insecure in our love.  Ryan and I sandwiched him last night, reassuring him and talking about how loving God can fix everything.  Then I asked him "Every night, when Mommy and Daddy are praying and snuggling with you, how do we feel about you?"  He shrugged his shoulders.  "I dunno."
     That answer is why I can not spank him, I can not slap his color happy fingers.  That answer is exactly why I have a school aged child habitually damaging our home.  BTW, he could care less about doing art work so save the "redirecting creativity" ideas.
     Our next strategy is that when he awakes, I will have him sit with me a scrub for a really long time.  As long as it takes.  We are back to not letting him leave my side, even to pee, mode.  But if anyone has any thoughts that will promote attachment, help him remember this behavior is BAD and also keep me from LOSING MY MIND, I would love it.