As a parent you quickly learn not to save the good stuff (hello, Opus One) for a special occassion. After all, sometimes 5 p.m. is as good a reason as any.

Which is why we love the way Chris Babcock runs her new art studio, where she swears off kiddie poster paints and brushes with plastic handles. Instead, her students (who begin as young as 3 years old) use professional tools and dense, luscious nontoxic oils and acrylics to create.

Babcock teaches by breaking classic works of art into grids, so students are able to visualize them one square at a time. Budding brushers also get to paint live models (Dudley the pug is a favorite) and still lifes.

Which just might yield a magnum opus.

Chris Babcock Art Workshop, 5907 California Street, at 21st Avenue (chrisbabcockart.com). Registration is now open.

MAKE
Mosaic Mirror
What: Parents and kiddos work together to create art that really reflects who they are.
Why: People who craft with littles are the fairest of them all.
When: Thurs., 4-5 p.m.
Where: Terra Mia, 1314 Castro St., at 24th St. (415-642-9911). Parent/child pair, $50.

HEAR
Author Mac Barnett
What: Catch passages from his latest book, Oh No: or How My Science Project Destroyed the World.
Why: The tale of a humongous science fair robot goes hilariously wrong.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut St., b/t Pierce & Scott Sts. (415-931-3633).

EXPLORE
SFMOMA Family Sunday
What: You and your little art lover learn about the collection through special projects and tours.
Why: Modern art you’ll both appreciate.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m
Where: 151 3rd St., b/t Mission & Howard Sts. (415-357-4000). Adults, $18 (general admission); children under 12, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Chris Babcock Art