Art Therapy and Self-Expression: The Creative Hearts of Preschoolers

When words fail, art speaks – and for preschool-aged children, it serves as a window into their inner emotional worlds. Humans are born with the desire to communicate, to be understood, but until language skills can catch up with the vast range of emotions that all people experience, self-expression can be a major source of frustration for young children. Studies have shown that one method of improving emotional identification and regulation in children is partaking in Art Therapy, a discipline of psychotherapy that places an emphasis on free self-expression through use of painting, drawing, molding, and more creative mediums.

The first 5 years of life is a crucial time for social-emotional development in children. In this period of their lives, children primarily communicate through pretend play and expressive mediums, such as making art or building structures. By being intentional with the opportunities we provide children to create, play, and express themselves, we can pave the way to building emotionally healthy practices that will support them for the rest of their lives.

Although traditional art therapy is administered by trained professionals in therapeutic settings, the principles behind the therapy can be applied at home, too. By encouraging your child to be creative and express themselves using materials you have at home, you can give them the tools to show you what is going on inside their growing minds. Here are some activity ideas for you to try out with your child, creating bonding time and growth experiences for them!

Make Masks

The act of creating or decorating a mask can be a way to explore different parts of our personalities, current emotional states, or inspirational characters. This activity can help children unlock an emotion or experience they didn’t know how to express by taking on a persona during pretend play. Encourage your child to make a mask that shows how they feel or who they want to be like. Use the attached template for a half-face mask as a guide!

Create Self-Portraits

Prompting a child to draw themselves can provide insight into their self-image, emotions, and what may be going on in their lives lately. A variety of mediums can be used for this: crayons, colored pencils, paint, markers, and more!

Paint the Music

Play some music out loud for your child, and with paints or whichever medium they prefer, prompt your child to paint what the music makes them feel. This can be done with all different types of music– try some upbeat and energetic as well as slower, calm music!

Color Your Feelings

Using the attached worksheet of a blank heart, allow your child to use any art supplies, and prompt them to fill in the design with things that make their heart happy! You can ask them about a fun day, something they love to do, or a person they love to give them some ideas.

Rock Painting

Find some rocks in a park or another outdoor space, taking a few home with you. After you wash the rocks, give your child paints and let them go wild! Giving some direction can help lead them if they’re stuck: try asking them to paint the happiest rock, a funny rock, or an excited rock. ck: try asking them to paint the happiest rock, a funny rock, or an excited rock.

By integrating art into daily routines, we give children a safe space to process their emotions, explore their identities, and build confidence in their ability to express themselves. Whether through a simple drawing, a painted rock, or a carefully crafted mask, these creative moments offer valuable insight into a child's inner world.

Art therapy-inspired activities aren’t just about creating something tangible—they’re about opening a dialogue, strengthening emotional resilience, and nurturing self-expression in ways words sometimes cannot. So, gather some supplies, set aside some time, and let your child’s creativity lead the way. You may be surprised by what their artwork reveals!