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Frustration & Change—Use Art to Help Girls Through It

Frustration & Change—Use Art to Help Girls Through It

AUGUST 4TH, 2020

Like so many of us, girls may be feeling frustrated, out of sorts, or even angry about the impact the Coronavirus is having on our lives. Especially as they gear up for a most unusual school year. One of our favorite techniques for releasing this kind of pressure is art. So today we’re sharing a little more about how art can help, as well as a few easy project ideas.

Can Art Really Help?

Art therapists have been using art to help patients work through feelings and manage mental health issues for years. According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), "Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.”

Art therapy for serious mental health issues must be conducted by an expert, but parents and caregivers can take inspiration from these methods. During stressful times like these, girls may feel a little off-kilter, and may even have trouble articulating what’s bothering them. Art can give girls an opportunity to look inward and release some of their frustrations. As AATA says, "The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.”

Fun & Easy Project Ideas

Any kind of art can be helpful, but we love the idea of using special projects to make things a little more fun and light-hearted. By “special” we mean something that feels different from the normal white paper and crayons—something that feels more like a treat. Here are a few ideas.
GET MESSY

Kids are always excited to do something messy—it feels extra special and exciting! Consider doing finger or fabric painting, squeeze bottle painting, splatter painting (okay, pretty much any kind of painting!), adding glitter to drawings, etc.

Go Outside

If you tend to do art at the same table all the time, consider switching it up. Taking art projects outside can sometimes make them easier to clean up too. Any of the paint projects mentioned above can be done outside (if you’re using washable paint), or you can even try sidewalk chalk paint or spray chalk.

Involve a Friend

Kids that have been sheltering away from friends carry an extra burden in their hearts. If it’s safe for your family, consider setting up an outdoor art playdate with a friend. To minimize the risk, take precautions like staying outside, wearing masks, practicing social distancing and limiting the time together. Even a very unorthodox playdate like this can relieve stress.

If you’re feeling particularly eager to dip a toe into the world of art therapy, consider adding a little direction to the art project. It doesn’t need to be too complex—it might just be urging a girl to show you how she's feeling today. But if she’s resistant, there’s no need to push it. Any kind of art can be worthwhile and beneficial.

Sources:

Definition of Art Therapy
from The American Art Therapy Association  
About Art Therapy
from The American Art Therapy Association
Cool Art Therapy Intervention #5: Show Me How You Feel Today
from Psychology Today

Frustration & Change—Use Art to Help Girls Through It

AUGUST 4TH, 2020

Like so many of us, girls may be feeling frustrated, out of sorts, or even angry about the impact the Coronavirus is having on our lives. Especially as they gear up for a most unusual school year. One of our favorite techniques for releasing this kind of pressure is art. So today we’re sharing a little more about how art can help, as well as a few easy project ideas.

Can Art Really Help?

Art therapists have been using art to help patients work through feelings and manage mental health issues for years. According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), "Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.”


Art therapy for serious mental health issues must be conducted by an expert, but parents and caregivers can take inspiration from these methods. During stressful times like these, girls may feel a little off-kilter, and may even have trouble articulating what’s bothering them. Art can give girls an opportunity to look inward and release some of their frustrations. As AATA says, "The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills.”

Fun & Easy Project Ideas

Any kind of art can be helpful, but we love the idea of using special projects to make things a little more fun and light-hearted. By “special” we mean something that feels different from the normal white paper and crayons—something that feels more like a treat. Here are a few ideas.

Get Messy

Kids are always excited to do something messy—it feels extra special and exciting! Consider doing finger or fabric painting, squeeze bottle painting, splatter painting (okay, pretty much any kind of painting!), adding glitter to drawings, etc.

Go Outside

If you tend to do art at the same table all the time, consider switching it up. Taking art projects outside can sometimes make them easier to clean up too. Any of the paint projects mentioned above can be done outside (if you’re using washable paint), or you can even try sidewalk chalk paint or spray chalk.

Involve a Friend

Kids that have been sheltering away from friends carry an extra burden in their hearts. If it’s safe for your family, consider setting up an outdoor art playdate with a friend. To minimize the risk, take precautions like staying outside, wearing masks, practicing social distancing and limiting the time together. Even a very unorthodox playdate like this can relieve stress.

If you’re feeling particularly eager to dip a toe into the world of art therapy, consider adding a little direction to the art project. It doesn’t need to be too complex—it might just be urging a girl to show you how she's feeling today. But if she’s resistant, there’s no need to push it. Any kind of art can be worthwhile and beneficial.

Sources:


Definition of Art Therapy from The American Art Therapy Association  
About Art Therapy
from The American Art Therapy Association
Cool Art Therapy Intervention #5: Show Me How You Feel Today
from Psychology Today

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