What do children tell us through their drawings?

Children’s drawings represent a way to express many aspects of their being, and in particular their emotions through figures of houses, little men and human figures, trees, etc.

For the little ones, in fact, drawing represents the most intimate and unconscious part of their world which is that of feelings and emotions. Without being aware of it, the children put on paper what they live inside and which they are unable to express, such as their fears, their joys, but also the changes, the conflicts they face, the first difficulties, jealousy towards a little brother in arrival, fear of monsters, fear of animals, etc.

Through drawing, children communicate their emotions even if they still cannot express themselves well in words or do not want to talk about it. Drawings are a real relief valve.

Interpret children’s drawings

The interpretation of the symbology that is present in children’s drawings has value and can only be done by specialized professionals such as psychotherapists and pedagogists for example. Parents, teachers or educators can only observe and possibly succeed, through some tools just given if it is appropriate to contact an expert. The professional, also through other tools, will be able to grasp any discomfort of the child, support him and help him overcome it.

Children’s drawings according to age

Children usually relax emotionally while drawing.

Around one year of age they begin to hold pencils in their hands and start with the first scribbles.

Pencil colors also give the possibility to understand the vital energy or the pressure that the child applies on the colour.

Subsequently, the children begin to prefer one hand rather than the other, always remembering not to correct him, but to leave him free to choose between the two hands.

As the child grows, the drawing will evolve and more or less around the age of 3 the child will be able to represent the first anthropomorphic drawings.

The children draw what is part of their daily life, therefore the family, the friends of the nursery, the animals that live with them, the house and slowly begin to put their personal experience into the drawing.

The child’s drawing skills are always evolving and are enriched with details up to around 12 years of age where these skills, if not further stimulated with specific courses on drawing, etc. and a strong passion on the part of the adolescent for drawing and art tends to stop in most cases.

Drawing manages to give parents important elements which, if known how to grasp, give useful indications on the child’s growth path.

Thus drawing becomes a means of communication not only of their inner world, but also of their relationship with the outside world and with the family.

Elements to be interpreted in a drawing

These are just a few of the many elements to consider when looking at a child’s drawing:

• the sheet and the drawing : if the drawing occupies the entire sheet, then most likely we are dealing with a sociable child and inclined to trust others. If instead the drawing occupies only the left margin there could be fear of the future while if it occupies only the upper part, the child almost certainly has a dreamer’s soul;
• the drawing : too uncertain, with many corrections or erasures and angular strokes, they are usually characteristics of an introverted child, of aggression and anxiety;
• the trait: regular and marked generally indicate a child full of grit, enthusiasm and spirit of adaptation;
• colors : if the choice is mainly in favor of very soft colors, the child usually has a shy personality while strong and lively colors are more likely to belong to an extroverted child;
• the home: it is the place of family warmth and welcome but it can also represent the opposite if the child is suffering from what is happening in the family. For example, the chimney that smokes generally indicates the state of mind of a child who feels protected and feels the warmth that surrounds him while without the chimney, the child could be missing something; the large door with many windows and a lot of light that enters is very likely a drawing for an outgoing child who is sure of his affections and, for example, if there are winding roads to get to the house, he could have some worries;
• the human figure : if it is a complete image it indicates emotional stability, long legs usually belong to a child with a great desire to grow up while short ones to a child needing protection etc.;
• the family : the order in which the child draws family members is very important, hierarchies are more important than one thinks, just as it is very relevant where the child places himself together with his family he could be self-centered as well as feel neglected;
• the tree : represents their deepest self and a large trunk generally indicates a tendency to narcissism, roots drawn in the earth characterize a child who tends to have strong family ties, etc.

All these small indications change a lot according to the age of the children, their ability to draw and so many other aspects that only professionals have the skills and adequate training to be able to draw up the characteristics of a child, a teenager or an adult , because drawing is also used in adults.

Drawing is an act of trust in each other, it’s a way to make ourselves known in the most hidden aspects and areas of ourselves. Children do it naturally and unaware, so their productions are pure and full of messages.

For these reasons, each drawing is a gift that adults receive and that they must welcome and look at.