Under counter repair?

It looks to me like they need more space for their feet. Maybe what you need are swivel chairs that are bar height.

Im not sure what you can do so the kicks dont show, however, you can make it so they clean off easily. A couple of suggestions; there are paints that are easy clean and you can have it matched to your existing color. Install a white bead board, I have seen some that has a strong vinyl coating. Or go farmhouse with some of the easy install reclaimed wood paneling. Hope this helps.

Unless you apply a kickplate (of plexiglass or metal) of sufficient size, you'll most likely have this as a recurring problem. In the interim, perhaps the children need to sit at a much lower height (childrens' table to call their own...).

Have you considered Magnetic whiteboard paint. Washable, has metal in it so you can use magnetic letters and things on it, and is pretty durable.

Make your grandchildren behave

Tell them to quit kicking the wall

I would put something so they will rest their feet on, that will end the kicking. Kicking is done when the feet are idle. Problem solved!

Scuffs are totally normal with bar height stools - especially with kids - their feet hang higher than adults and they naturally fidget more - I’m sorry other people have left rude “suggestions”.

Pattern is a good way to hide marks - they would blend in and not stand out as much. Would wood be a look you’d like? There are some pretty good peel and stick options that you can install horizontally (shiplap) or vertically. Or maybe a stenciled pattern? :)

Am assuming the grandkids do not live with you? So this is not an everyday problem but a when the kids visit kind of problem....so I am thinking...when they are coming over and planning to sit on these stools, maybe you can temporarily tape a large piece of thicker clear plastic drop cloth cut to size to protect that vertical space by the stools...it is cheap, easy to put there in minutes and can be removed when they leave...and no scuff marks...!!...hope this helps...

Lucky Grandma !

What a bounty you have, enjoy every minute. They grow up fast, spending precious minutes correcting their lessens the priceless memories you share enjoying their visits. Their parents can deal with the wall -scuffing behavior, along with other parenting situations.

Paint that underside in a washable paint, to match, or contrast. Lowe's and Home Depot have several options in the paint dept.

FrugalFamily is right that scuffs are a normal part of having any stools close to a wall under an overhanging counter. They occur not only with children, but with careful adults as well. My vote would go with having a easy to clean metal kick plate. This is similar to the metal kick plates that are on the bottom of doors in high traffic areas, such as schools, hospitals, etc. Don't waste your time with any more painting; the scuffs will always show, and it will need constant retouching.

'Some good questions raised by others as to the height of the stools being suitable for children, if the rungs on the legs are high enough for children to rest their feet, and if the counter overhang is sufficient for sitting (knee) space. Was this countertop originally installed for standing (bar height) or sitting (counter height)?

What about pallet wood? Even if there are scuff marks they would probably not be noticable. Good luck.

I would paint it a dark color to disguise the scuff marks. Maybe turn the area into a chalkboard for the kids to write on.

No to pallet wood.

It would look very rough and ratty against the soft yellow and white of the island. As the pieces are not straight or level, it will be frustrating to mount them onto the island backing so they look straight and stay in place. And, last but not least, it is a most unsuitable material for an eating area where it will be subject to crumbs and food particles, as it is very difficult to try to keep clean and sanitized.

Try letting the kids clean the marks off the wall, helps them learn how to help out and they will be more careful in the future. If that is not an option for you then maybe laminate backsplash would work. Me, I’d go for the “help me out” lesson.