Abstract: Art is often the warm blanket that brings comfort in a time when the world can be a little cold.
Language is a tool used to gain insight into the feelings, anxieties and emotions of others. During this war, a number of resources have helped parents, teachers and adults talk with children on the subject of war. I would like to encourage people to include another tool: art.
Art holds special significance to children. Art is often the warm blanket that brings comfort in a time when the world can be a little cold.
How is our world being viewed through the lens of a child? How does the 4- year-old define war? How do children get to sleep at night when they are often concerned about more than just the "closet monster?" How do you protect a child from the unknown when you have to figure out how to protect that same thing for yourself? How do you attempt to get children to share and express their feelings when you aren't even sure what it is you are feeling -- let alone how to express it? This is a tough time for all of us.
Order is important in our world and in a child's world. So is disorder. Much of art is created out of disorder. In an attempt to understand and make some sense of the chaos in a child's environment or within a child, we can turn to art. Writing, drawing, composing, acting -- all give children an opportunity where they can create a product that has synthesized disorder to create some element of order. When a sense of order is accomplished the "child artist" can find some solace, validation and/or contentment -- at least for that moment.
Here are some ways to let children "talk" about the war through art:
Validate and accept all of a child's artwork and feelings unconditionally. As with all art, expression of frustration and anger is just as appropriate as a "pretty picture." Dark pictures and activities have a place in art.
Use age appropriate language when discussing the war, be truthful and provide basic information. Let the child take the lead if they want more information. (A 4-year-old doesn't need to know the details of a Scud missile.)
Don't put words in your child's mouth, but share your own feelings and emotions about the war. Readily admit that you don't have all the answers. Respect a child's wish not to talk about their art or feelings. Art is a language in itself -- children may not have the words to go along with what their art expresses.
Display their art.
Let's listen to our children. Just as we listen to the power of words, let's also listen to the power of crayons, paints, blocks, instruments, puppets, costumes and other vehicles of artistic expression. If we truly want to connect with our children, we need to do it through their most natural and comfortable tool of communication and expression. We need to recognize, value and honor their art.