Updated: July 16, 2021
Originally Published: July 16, 2021
My daughter never leaves home without her trusty art supplies. Whether we’re driving a short distance in our minivan or just making a quick stop at Target, she brings along her crayons, scissors, and a little red art caboodle filled with paper, colored pencils, and markers—just in case creativity strikes. She’s incredibly resourceful, often using recyclables to fuel her imagination. Recently, she transformed an empty Cheez-It box into a “friend” named Marsha, complete with a seatbelt in the car, right between her and her twin sister.
At just six years old, my daughter has mastered the art of self-regulation. When she feels overwhelmed, she knows how to step back and say, “I need some alone time.” When I find her, she’s usually immersed in her art, expressing her feelings and calming her emotions—whether it’s fear, anxiety, excitement, or boredom.
Children who’ve faced trauma often find solace in various forms of therapy, and art can be particularly healing. For instance, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many children turned to art therapy to cope with their experiences. The stress of the ongoing global pandemic has similarly impacted our kids, making creative outlets more valuable than ever.
Margaret Carlock Russo, President of the American Art Therapy Association, emphasizes that engaging in art-making can help relax the neurological system, leading to a decrease in anxiety symptoms. This has certainly been the case for my daughter. After completing a piece of art, she steps back, and I can see her transformation. She enters a calm state, her posture relaxes, and her breaths become gentle and steady. Art-making allows her to be fully present in the moment, providing both a creative outlet and a means to manage her emotions.
Research shows that art therapy can enhance quality of life, ease anxiety symptoms, and aid emotional regulation for both children and adults. Carlock Russo notes that focusing on one activity—like creating art—can be a straightforward way to achieve mindfulness and sensory engagement. The tactile experience of touching various materials contributes to stress relief, making art a playful yet profound way to cope.
As I find crayons, colored pencil shavings, and marker stains all over our minivan, I feel a sense of relief knowing my daughter is channeling her feelings through her art. Even the simplest projects, like her La Croix box Wonder Woman shields, bring her joy and confidence, prompting her to ask, “Aren’t these so cool, Mommy?” My positive response fuels her passion, turning our home office into her personal art studio.
Her enthusiasm for creativity has taught me to be more flexible and less concerned about the mess. While I occasionally discover glitter and glue stuck to my work papers, I recognize that this creative process helps her connect with her emotions. She is effectively engaging in her own form of art therapy, making good use of all 500 sheets of paper.
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Summary:
My daughter’s self-created art therapy has become a powerful tool for her emotional regulation and self-expression. By engaging in creative activities, she learns to manage her feelings and cope with stress, showcasing the profound impact art can have on mental health. As a parent, I cherish her creativity and the flexibility it brings to our home.