My Daughter Has Developed Her Own ‘Art Therapy’ That Works Wonders for Her

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In our minivan, my daughter never goes anywhere without her crayons and scissors, even for the briefest trips. She carries a cheerful red art caboodle filled with paper, colored pencils, markers, and anything else she can squeeze in, just in case inspiration strikes while we’re out shopping. She’s incredibly resourceful—recently, she transformed an empty family-sized Cheez-It box into a “friend” named Marsha, who traveled with us securely buckled in between her and her twin sister.

At just six years old, my daughter uses art as a way to express herself and manage her emotions. She has learned to recognize when she needs a break from stressful situations, calmly saying, “I need some alone time” and retreating to her creative space. When I find her, she is often deep in her art, completely in her zone. This creative outlet helps her navigate everything from fear and anxiety to excitement and boredom.

Art therapy has been shown to benefit children of all ages, especially those who have experienced trauma. For example, children displaced by Hurricane Katrina found solace in art as a coping mechanism. Similarly, during the ongoing stress of the pandemic, art has been a crucial tool for many kids.

According to Margaret Carlock Russo, Ed.D, LCAT(NY), ATR-BC, ATCS, President of the American Art Therapy Association, engaging in art-making can help relax the neurological system, promoting a sense of calm. It’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation, both for children and adults.

When my daughter completes a piece, there’s a noticeable shift in her demeanor. She steps back, takes a deep breath, and radiates a sense of peace. Art-making allows her to be present and engaged in the moment, which is evident in her softened posture and calm breathing. Regardless of the outcome of her creations, art provides her with a safe space to express herself.

Like adults, children can experience relief from anxiety and panic through art therapy. It enhances their quality of life, fosters emotional regulation, and serves as a coping mechanism. Carlock Russo highlights that focusing on a single activity, like art, can be an accessible way for both kids and adults to manage stress.

As crayons, colored pencils, and marker stains accumulate in our minivan, I find comfort in knowing that my daughter is processing her emotions through her art. This creative outlet has become her preferred activity, and she excels at it. Even a La Croix box transformed into a Wonder Woman shield brings her joy and confidence.

Her passion for art has encouraged me to embrace a more flexible approach to cleanliness at home. I often find glitter and glue stuck to my papers and artwork attempts scattered around the house. However, witnessing her happiness and emotional growth through creativity makes it all worthwhile. She is effectively self-regulating through her own form of art therapy, and I fully support her explorations.

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In summary, my daughter’s art therapy journey has transformed her emotional landscape, providing her with the tools to navigate her feelings through creativity. This simple yet powerful practice not only brings her joy but also fosters her ability to self-regulate and express herself.


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