11/14/2025
When children can’t find the words for what they feel, art gives them another language.
Drawing helps kids process emotions safely — turning invisible feelings into something they can see, touch, and begin to understand.
Here are a few ways to guide that process at home:
Create a safe space.
Offer paper, crayons, paints — and no judgment. Let your child know there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to draw.
Follow their lead.
Resist the urge to interpret or correct. Simply notice: “I see lots of dark colors today,” or “That’s a big storm cloud.” This shows curiosity without pressure.
Name emotions gently.
If your child is ready, help them link pictures to feelings: “It looks like your picture feels angry,” or “Maybe that’s a bit of worry?”
Use drawing for stories.
Ask open questions like, “What happens next?” or “Who helps the character in your picture?” Storytelling helps kids find agency in tough emotions.
Keep it regular, not reactive.
Encourage drawing as part of daily life, not only when emotions are high. It becomes a familiar, healthy outlet.
Through creative play and drawing, children learn that feelings can be expressed, understood, and transformed — and that they’re never too big to be held.
