Using Creative Expression to Help Kids Process and Manage Their Emotions

Art with Heart's therapeutic activity books for kids and resources for the adults who serve them are a low cost intervention that empowers kids to manage difficult experiences and creates a safe space for reflection through creative expression. Art with Heart curricula, books, and activities give kids opportunities to learn about, process and regulate their emotions.

This is how:

• Identifying Emotions – They give kids time and space to learn about and recognize their emotions, and provide them with a way to process their emotional experiences through art. They provide a means for stopping and thinking about emotions.
• Expressing Emotions - They equip kids with a safe way for expressing and talking about emotions.

“…You helped me express my feelings and emotions” – Kenadie, age 10

“…I have trouble expressing my emotions in a non-harmful way, so these art projects are a good way to express these emotions” – 16-year-old

• Managing Emotions – They teach and model creative expression as a strategy for managing emotions by giving kids a means to: 1) take a break from the intense emotions, 2) listen and reflect on how others manage strong feelings, and 2) safely express intense emotions such as sadness and anger.

“I feel calmer after I make art.” – Student, after 10 weeks of using Draw it Out

“I learned how to control my anger with art. I feel good about myself and have less trouble in school.” – Aida, age 13

Join us at one of our webinars to learn more about Art with Heart, our resources, and integrating creative expression into your work to help kids build SEL skills, become resilient, and turn pain into possibility. Art with Heart resources are based on various therapeutic modalities, including art, cognitive, and narrative therapies. Webinars are designed to help you integrate creative expression with confidence into your work with kids. Our webinars are interactive, and include hands-on art activities and discussion, and include 1 Free CEU. Link to Register