Does Your Child's Artwork Reveal Serious Troubles?

Child therapists often use drawings to identify problems that a child may have. But you don't have to be a child psychologist to use these drawings to determine whether something is wrong with your child. Parents often overlook many obvious clues that their kids give them - clues that they are being abused or bullied - or suffering from some other social issue. You may not be able to solve every problem your child has by merely looking at his/her artwork; but taking note of the warning signs might help you to address small issues before they become larger ones.

Sexual Abuse

A child may not necessarily draw overt images of sexual abuse that may be taking place. A child who is unaware that touching is inappropriate may draw pictures featuring obvious images of genitalia. But sometimes these images may be cloaked in "decoration" in drawings that you might deem normal.

Bullying

The little boy named Owen featured in horror film 2010's Let Me In acted out his revenge against imaginary bullies. In his daydreams, Owen was the antagonist, mentally attacking his tormentors with exceptional aggression. Your child may not physically act out thoughts of revenge against those bullying them. But self-portraits may show him/her with aggressive features-jagged teeth, exaggerated fists, or "angry-looking" eyes. This, coupled with other peculiar behavior should be carefully examined.

Anxieties about the household

Children are often fond of drawing images of their parents, siblings, or other important people in their lives. Take note if one or more of the depictions is drastically larger (or smaller) than others. A child who draws one member extremely small in contrast to others in the picture may be saying something about the way he sees that member of the family. He/she may be expressing a family dynamic of which you should be aware.

Ghosts and other entities

Yes, it is widely believed that [some] children are wildly perceptive to ghosts and spirits. Many parents overlook these ghoulies and monsters-deeming them vivid depictions of their children's imagination. But if the child's drawings consistently show characters that "don't exist", be aware. Your son or daughter may never verbally acknowledge seeing a person who doesn't really exist-simply because they can't tell the difference!

Depression

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether your child is depressed. But there are certain recurring themes in children's drawings that may serve as important clues. Obvious symbols might include dark clouds, raining, or frowning faces. But you should also take note of the actions taking place in the artwork. These may also serve as clues to the source of a child's depression. Loss of a family pet, a childhood friend's relocation, and especially divorce are common roots of sadness. These are sometimes reflected in childhood drawings.

Changes in drawing style or behavior...

Sometimes troubles are not revealed in the actual drawings themselves, but in abrupt changes in subject matter. Children have vivid imaginations that tend to wander at will. Don't be alarmed if your kids have a vast collection of subjects. Most children (especially of a certain age) are quite proud to share their masterpieces with their parents. However, if you find drawings tucked away or hidden, red flags might be raised.

SOURCES:

www.genieshanu.wordpress.com
www.safehorizon.org
www.tlcinst.org

"The Use of Art in Counseling Child and Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse" by Maralynn M. Hagood