When Words Are Hard: Helping Kids Express Feelings Through Drawing

Children experience big emotions every single day, but putting those feelings into words isn’t always easy. Sometimes they don’t have the language. Sometimes they don’t know where to start. And sometimes, it just feels safer to show than to tell.

That’s where art—and especially color—comes in.

Why Drawing Works

When your child walks in the door after school or you notice they’re having a tough day, try this simple invitation:

🖍️ Put paper down.🖍️ Lay out crayons, markers, or colored pencils.🖍️ Ask gently: “Draw how you’re feeling right now” or “Can you draw me a picture of what your day was like?”

This takes the pressure off needing to explain with words. Instead, your child has the freedom to show you through shapes, colors, and pictures.

As the old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” — and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to children and emotions.

What You’ll See

You might notice:

• Darker colors when they’re sad, frustrated, or worried.

• Bright colors when they’re feeling joyful, proud, or excited.

• Scribbles or swirls when they’re overwhelmed and not sure how to name the feeling.

• They may actually draw people, places, or things.

Remember—there’s no right or wrong way. The drawing is their safe outlet.

How to Respond

The most powerful part of this exercise isn’t analyzing the drawing—it’s being present while they create it.

✔️ Sit nearby, showing you’re available and attentive.✔️ Ask open-ended questions like, “Tell me about your picture” instead of guessing.✔️ Thank them for sharing, no matter what it looks like.

By doing this, you show your child that their inner world matters—and that they have a safe, non-judgmental place to express it.

Building the Habit

Make drawing feelings a part of your daily rhythm: after school, before bed, or even during transitions when emotions run high. The more consistent you are, the more your child will see it as a natural tool for expressing themselves.

Over time, they’ll not only communicate feelings more easily but also build emotional awareness and confidence in handling big days.

Final Thoughts

Children don’t always need the “perfect words” to tell us how they feel. Sometimes, the colors on a page will say it all.

So next time you sense your child carrying something heavy, hand them a crayon and some paper. You might be surprised by how much they’re able to share—without saying a single word.

✨ Give this a try today: Encourage your child to depict their day using only colors. Sit with them and observe what emerges.