Art based therapy or expressive art therapy is an innovative tool and medium of therapy that has been proven to be beneficial to all, and especially children. Children, more often than not, prefer to use their actions rather than their words. This is generally due to the fact that either they may be too young to fully articulate things or they may think that the adults do not take them seriously. Sometimes these are also used in circumstances where the child has suffered grief or abuse, to help them deal with their emotions. Whatever be the reason, through art, many children find it more effective in communicating what they are feeling. As adults, we may not think much of the tiny minds, but they conjure up worlds of their own, which can seem incomprehensible to us and perhaps can be better understood with art therapy. Thus art based therapy is becoming a popular choice among parenting tools to better understand and empathise with the child. This is also great for developing many other life skills in children, which can prove to be beneficial in their future.
Art based therapy has shown a remarkable effects on children with special needs like autism, speech impairments, developmental problems, ADHD and other physical and psychological conditions. However, it should not be brushed off as a form of therapy only for special circumstances. Every school curriculum has art and craft classes deeply embedded in their routine from the very early years. This is because any form of art - whether it’s music or painting or writing or any creative activity - is known to help overall development in children.
As discussed before, children may not always have the verbal skills or the vocabulary to effectively express themselves. However, creative art has no such barriers and the kids can express their energies and their emotions however they deem right. Being in this safe space, among other kids, and being able to create something without judgement not only builds confidence but also helps in peer bonding, both of which are necessary skills in life. Creative art appeals to their creativity and imagination and also calms the mind. These art activities are also often carried out in groups and thus help them build their social skills. All of these combined together also makes them more empathetic towards others, thus making them better prepared for the days to come.
Another positive aspect of art therapy is the building of cognitive skills. Through the medium of art (whatever be their art of choice), children learn the meanings of colours and shapes and also learn more about (by witnessing) cause and effect, consequences, problem solving and decision making. They may also learn to use visual mediums and how to communicate through the same. Art also requires the active participation of the brain and thus helps develop the cognitive skills of the child. They learn to discern between reality and imagination and also become observant of the things around them. By observing things, giving meaning to them, associating them with energies and emotion and ultimately visually representing the same, builds a complex neural network of thinking capabilities, reasoning and more, which is an essential skill in children as they grow up.
Art based therapy also has impacts on the emotional well being and the emotional development of the child. This can not only help them understand their emotions but also grasp the world around them. When they express themselves through art, it begins a conversation about the thoughts, imagination and creativity in their little heads. This gives them the confidence to express themselves and also encourages them to learn more. Expression through art gives them the confidence to not only embrace but also express effectively what they are feeling, thinking or facing.
Art is also beneficial for a child’s physical development. Hand-eye coordination, improved motor skills and muscle development can occur when the child is involved in art that involves physical movement like dancing or theatre. While the other arts like painting or writing may not require much physical effort, they too help in developing the smaller muscle groups and also improve coordination skills.
With so many benefits and so much joy to offer, it is no wonder that art therapy is becoming very popular among parents and kids alike. However, before you start buying all the art supplies, it is a good idea to speak to their teacher or an art therapist who can recommend the activity based on the child’s interests and needs. As a parent, you too must actively partake in the activity to learn the impact and lessons from the child’s art. You can consult their teacher on their observations and how to interpret art better - this will help build better communication between you and your child, one which may not always need words. And most importantly, make this an activity for encouragement and fun, and never criticism.
Art therapy as a parenting tool can be used in both pleasant and unpleasant situations. To reward good behaviour or encourage positive developments, you can sit with them to create something that they can be proud of - this may involve new supplies and quality parent-child time, in ways that they understand. If they have tantrums, or seem upset, you can encourage them to express their feelings through their choice of art. This will not only help them understand themselves but also put them in a calmer head space. Moreover, being involved in creative experiences in day-to-day life and spending quality time with the parents has a positive effect on the child’s development and behaviour. This can lead to better communication, less tantrums or mood swings and also help in overall development. With encouragement and active learning, children can become happy, social beings who understand themselves and are capable of being empathetic. All of these skills put together, help raise a child, who is much more confident and well prepared for the life ahead. So, go ahead and get those art supplies - it’s time to have some quality time with your child!
FAQ's
Q. What is art-based therapy for children?
Ans.Art-based therapy is a form of expressive therapy where children use creative activities like painting, music, dance, or writing to express emotions. It helps them communicate feelings they may not have the words for, while supporting emotional, social, and cognitive development in a safe, judgment-free environment.
Q. Why is art therapy important for children who can’t express themselves verbally?
Ans.Many children lack the vocabulary or confidence to share their thoughts. Art removes these barriers, letting them express emotions visually or physically. This non-verbal communication fosters understanding between the child and adults, builds trust, and creates a safe space for open emotional expression.
Q. Can art-based therapy help children with special needs?
Ans.Yes. Art therapy has shown benefits for children with autism, ADHD, speech impairments, developmental delays, and emotional challenges. Creative expression helps them communicate in ways words can’t, while also improving motor skills, focus, and confidence, making it a valuable tool in both therapy and education.
Q. How does art therapy improve a child’s cognitive skills?
Ans.Art therapy boosts cognitive skills by engaging the brain in creative problem-solving, cause-and-effect thinking, and decision-making. Children learn to recognize shapes, colors, and patterns, distinguish imagination from reality, and observe details in their surroundings—strengthening reasoning, memory, and critical thinking.
Q. How does art therapy support emotional development?
Ans.Through creative expression, children explore and process their emotions. Sharing their artwork opens conversations about feelings, building self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This helps them feel understood, increases their confidence in expressing themselves, and encourages empathy towards others.
Q. Does art therapy have physical development benefits?
Ans.Yes. Activities like dancing or theatre enhance coordination, muscle strength, and gross motor skills. Painting, drawing, or writing develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. These activities improve both large and small muscle groups, contributing to overall physical development.
Q. Can art therapy improve social skills in children?
Ans.Group art activities encourage teamwork, communication, and peer bonding. By creating together, children learn cooperation, patience, and respect for others’ ideas. This collaborative setting builds empathy, strengthens friendships, and helps them navigate social situations with more confidence.
Q. Should parents be involved in art-based therapy?
Ans.Parent participation strengthens the therapy’s impact. Joining art activities helps parents understand their child’s emotions, encourages communication, and creates meaningful bonding moments. It also allows parents to model positive expression and provide encouragement, which boosts the child’s confidence and motivation.
Q. Is art therapy only for children facing difficulties?
Ans.No. While highly effective for children with emotional or developmental challenges, art therapy benefits all children. It fosters creativity, improves problem-solving, supports emotional well-being, and develops essential life skills. Schools often include art to support holistic growth in every student.
Q. How can parents start art-based activities at home?
Ans.Begin with simple creative activities like painting, collage-making, music, or storytelling. Choose tasks your child enjoys and keep them pressure-free. Avoid criticism; focus on encouragement and fun. You can also seek guidance from teachers or therapists to choose activities that suit your child’s needs and interests.
