Parents are often surprised to know that piece of paper that your child just scribbled on is valuable. Self expression through art making is a powerful yet safe way of allowing your child to express their feelings in relation to their disability. Although in certain situations it is wise to seek out a trained art therapy professional, as parents, you can incorporate some of the same tools professionals use into your play time with your child at home.
1. What Kind of Materials Should I Provide?
It is important to keep in mind the developmental phase of your child when choosing materials. You already know that your child’s physical limitations do not always correspond to their developmental level. For example, if your school age child has difficulty manually grasping objects, still offer him or her more sophisticated art materials that you would a younger child; e.g., 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 children share their imagery with you, they are showing that they trust you enough to let you into their inner world. Children are the rulers of their inner world. You can help them add verbal language to describe their internal experience by reflecting what you see in non-judgmental terms: “I see you drew a green tree. I see a little girl who seems sad.” By being objective, you’re allowing your child to feel comfortable about sharing.
3. What if My Child Draws Unpleasant Images?
Often parents or teachers 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, a psychological defense mechanism. If your child has expressed strong feelings in his or her imagery, you may want to compliment your child for using pictures or art as a safe container for feelings. Remind your child that all feelings are okay as 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 in which people transfer socially unacceptable impulses into more socially acceptable behaviors. Socially inappropriate urges may be represented symbolically – e.g., 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 part of 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 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.
Avoid too many questions about your child’s imagery. 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 children to safely explore their limits and reach their full potential.
Additional ideas and lesson plans suited for special needs children.
