Colourful Emotions

Art therapy is something I cannot recommend enough, whether we are talking about young children, teenagers or adults. There are plenty of professional art therapists out there, but so much can be done in the comfort of your own home. Choose a time when you know you will not be disturbed and put your own phone in a different room.

I like to keep some really soft music playing in the background, but that is entirely up to you.

The first little art exercise is one that I love, because it builds a foundation for other exercises to come, just like active listening. And in fact, you should keep the art of listening in mind when you do this one as well. Basically: listen intently, confirm what you hear without judging or asking leading questions. Try to keep your own feelings neutral.

Here is a foundation for the exercise, but you may pick any smiley faces you want as long as they express an emotion. You may also draw your own, but keep them clear and simple.

If your child is under five, I would pick a maximum of 3-4 very clear emotions.

Now, put a set of watercolours, crayons or whatever medium you prefer to use in front of your child. Point at a face and ask your child how they think that "face" is feeling. What emotion does it express? Then ask your child: "What colour should a sad face have (if the answer was sad)?" Do the same with "happy," "angry" etc. Do not correct the child if they connect a face with an emotion that you would not have associated with it, it is your child's interpretation you are after.

This is also optional, but some people find it a great help, especially if you are doing this exercise with slightly older children. Take an identical chart of faces and do your own simultaneously. Then you can compare with your child and simply note similarities and differences.

Now, you can point at a face and say "What do you think made this face sad?" "Why do you think this face is so happy?" Your child will, if the timing is right, come up with a number of ideas as to why a person is angry, disappointed or tired and this will be great for you to know for future reference.

There are so many benefits with this exercise. First of all, it gives you a great starting point when it comes to talking about feelings. This in itself is reason enough to do it. Secondly, you get to know how your child interprets feelings and how it connects them with colour. This might change over time, but you will be able to understand a future drawing so much better with this basic knowledge in mind. It is also a wonderful opportunity to observe your own spectrum of emotions.

Remember:

1. There is no right or wrong

2. Allow for silence

3. Listen actively without judging

4. Take your time and have fun