Art Therapy for Kids

Art therapy helps children easily express themselves in a more artistic, and creative, way. When children are younger, they tend to have a difficult time expressing themselves verbally. As a result, they sometimes act out or become frustrated. Using pictures and art allows for kids to create an alternative means of communication.

            In everyday life, art therapy is used to help kids with mental health, learning disabilities, emotional problems, or illness. It also helps kids deal with loss or grief. While they may not fully understand the scope of a situation, art will allow them to express what they do understand, opening the door for conversation.

            Art therapy can also be used to help children achieve self-awareness. They have the opportunity to express their feeling and perceptions about the world. Through art therapy, kids can help get a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, interests, or concerns.

Next time a charge appears frustrated, or is having a difficult time expressing emotions, try using pictures or figures that resemble feelings. Studies show that art therapy is helpful for children of all ages and races.

Playground Precautions

The warm months have arrived, which means it’s time for fun-filled days on the playground. While the playground is full of laughs, giggles, and friendly conversations, it is also the scene of many summertime injuries. Every year, hundreds of thousands of kids are injured on the playground while parents and caregivers are just feet away. Here are a few helpful tips to make trips to the playground fun times to remember:

Check for deep mulch. Mulch and wood chips are packed on playgrounds for a reason. If kids fall, the soft texture will reduce the risk of injuries.

Check anchors. Ensure that swings and monkey bars are stable in the ground.

Check clothing. Be sure all shoe strings are tied. Tangled strings cause many kids to fall while playing.

Touch before playing. The sun can cause playground equipment to become very hot, which could lead to burns on kids’ sensitive skin.

Now that the ground is prepped, the equipment is secure, and temperatures are just right to play, go out and enjoy the summer months. Enjoy the next three months of long days playing in the park, before you know, fall will be knocking on the door!