Drawing What They Can’t Say

When children struggle to speak about their feelings, art becomes their voice. A swirling storm, a glowing sun, a mysterious creature — these images aren’t just imagination; they are emotional expressions. At Art Academica, we see this emotional honesty emerge daily in our classes.

According to Cathy Malchiodi, a pioneer in art therapy, young children process trauma and big emotions visually before they are able to express them verbally. Their brains are wired to make sense of the world through images. Giving them time to draw or paint after a challenging day is not just an activity — it’s emotional hygiene.

💡 Try this at home: On the way back home from school, simply ask, “Do you feel like drawing how today felt?” Let them lead. No right or wrong. Be a calm observer.

🎨 At Art Academica, we never interpret their drawings without invitation. We say, “What’s happening here?” or “Tell me about this part.” The goal is not to diagnose, but to connect.

Supporting their visual expression helps children process sadness, anxiety, and joy in a way words can’t. Over time, it builds emotional vocabulary — first through colour and line, then through speech.