Creative Self Expression with Children: A Parent Primer
Can an angry scribble on notebook paper that is crumpled up and thrown away serve a constructive purpose? Parents are often surprised when I say, actually yes, that throw away scribble can be of tremendous value. Self expression through art making is a powerful yet safe way of allowing your child to express their feelings. Although in certain situations it is wise to seek out a trained art therapy professional, as parents, you can incorporate some of the same skills professionals use into your play time with your child at home.
1.What kind of materials should I provide my child? It is important to keep in mind the developmental phase of your child when choosing materials. A child’s physical limitations do not always correspond to their developmental level. For example if your school age child has a physical disability and has difficulty manually grasping objects, offer them more sophisticated art materials that you would a younger child – i.e. large oil pastels are as easy to grasp as big crayons but tend to look and feel more mature.
2.How should I respond to my child’s artwork? When your child shares their imagery with you, they are showing that they trust you enough to let you into their inner world. Your child is the ruler of this inner world. Ask your child to tell you about his/her picture. If you are the parent of a young child, you can help your child add verbal language to describe his/her internal experience by reflecting to your child what you see in non judgmental terms. “I see you used green for your house.” “You drew a red flower”.
3.What if I my child draws unpleasant images?
Often parents or caregivers are troubled by the expression of negative emotions in a child’s artwork.Though certainly not as appealing and perhaps even alarming to the viewer, these are actually a form of sublimation. If you child has expressed strong feelings in their imagery, you may want to compliment your child for using their picture or art as a safe container for feelings. Remind your child that all feelings are okay so long as we express them in a way that is not harmful to ourselves or other people. 4.What the heck is sublimation and why is it important?
Sublimation is a sophisticated psychological defense mechanism whereby socially unacceptable drives towards are transformed into more socially productive and socially acceptable behaviors. Socially inappropriate urges maybe represented symbolically – i.e., your son doesn’t literally want a dragon to breathe fire on his sister, but his image of doing so is perhaps an indication of desire for power and control that is a natural byproduct of sibling rivalry. Know that often times children will overcompensate for any feelings of inferiority or vulnerability by creating imagery that is opposite of their internal experience. For example, a child who is less strong than his or her peers may draw all powerful superheroes. If violent drawings are a pattern for your child and your child displays other indications of violence, seek out the support of a trained professional.
5.Ask questions to create dialogue:
Ask questions, but not tooo many. Questions are actually commands in that they demand a response, and can be perceived by your child as being unsupportive. Make sure you give your child at least 5-10 seconds to answer a question before asking another one.
6.And finally …..Have Fun!
Art making with your child can be a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship. Don’t put too much emphasis on the final product, relax and have fun. The creative process itself will empower your child to safely explore their limits and reach their full potential Erin Brumleve, MA, LPC, ATR Denver Art Therapy & Counseling, LLC
Sometimes the obstacle is the path.
- Zen Proverb
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