Children & Creativity: Art as a Sacred Language
Art is more than just coloring between the lines or making pretty pictures. For children, it is a sacred language. One that predates words and communicates the invisible truths of their inner and spiritual world. It is how the soul speaks when vocabulary fails. And in an overstimulated, emotionally suppressed society, returning to this language isn’t just therapeutic; it’s essential.
Art Is the First Language of the Child
Before children can articulate emotions like fear, joy, or anxiety, they draw. Art allows the child to externalize what is internal. According to Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld, a pioneer in art education, children go through specific creative stages that reflect their emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development. These stages are not just artistic; they mirror the neurological wiring and emotional healing happening behind the scenes.
From a developmental standpoint, art helps integrate both hemispheres of the brain. The left brain (logical, linguistic) and right brain (creative, intuitive) come into harmony through drawing, coloring, and imaginative play. In neuroscience, this integration is known to enhance emotional regulation, problem-solving, and executive function; key skills in a child’s life and spiritual discernment journey.
When I was little, my mother always kept all of my artwork in a special portfolio and proudly posted it on the fridge. That small gesture made me feel seen and valued. It left such a deep impression on me that now, as a mother, I make it a point to do the same with my own children’s paintings and drawings.
As a teacher, I’ve often explained to parents how important it is for children to feel that their work has value even when it’s not perfect. You’d be surprised how many parents throw their children’s projects in the trash right in front of them. That may seem harmless, but to a child, it can be deeply discouraging.
Of course, we can’t keep every single paper or doodle that comes home from school. But displaying their artwork, even just for a little while depending on the quality and quantity, shows that we recognize and appreciate their creativity and effort. Later, if we need to clear space, we can do so thoughtfully. The key is giving their work the dignity it deserves while it's here.
The Psychology Behind Displaying Children’s Work
Validation of Self-Expression
Children don’t just create for fun, they create to express emotions, ideas, and internal experiences they may not yet be able to verbalize. When their work is acknowledged, it reinforces the idea that their inner world is valued. This nurtures emotional intelligence and strengthens communication pathways between parent and child.Formation of Self-Worth
Psychologist Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of unconditional positive regard, the idea that children need to feel valued simply for who they are, not for how well they perform. Displaying their artwork sends the message: “You are worthy, and so is your effort.” This builds internal confidence rather than performance-based self-esteem.Encouragement of Creativity and Risk-Taking
When children know that their imperfect or messy projects will still be appreciated, they are more likely to take creative risks. They experiment more, try new things, and begin to understand that failure is part of the learning process. If their work is consistently dismissed or trashed, they may become afraid to try.Attachment and Bonding
Displaying artwork strengthens the emotional bond between parent and child. It creates shared joy and gives children the sense that their parent is truly present and engaged with their world. This also reduces behavioral issues linked to emotional neglect or low parental involvement.
Spiritually, Art Opens Channels Between Heaven and Earth
Art is a form of prayer and worship. When a child paints the sky, animals, draws angels, or colors of nature, they are participating in God’s creativity. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are made in the image of a Creator; therefore, our creative acts are divine echoes. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me,” and it’s no coincidence that children are naturally imaginative. It is through their imagination that they often sense God’s presence the most freely.
Research in spiritual psychology shows that children who engage in creative expression are more connected to empathy, compassion, and awe which are core spiritual emotions that align with godliness. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children involved in visual arts showed increased spiritual sensitivity and resilience, particularly when facing trauma or instability.
The Neuroscience of Drawing and Emotional Safety
When a child engages in free drawing or painting, the amygdala (emotional brain) begins to calm. Cortisol (the stress hormone) lowers, and oxytocin (bonding hormone) rises. This has the same brain pattern as when a person is praying or meditating. In other words, creating art is a neuro-spiritual intervention. For children who cannot express grief, fear, or confusion verbally, art gives them a safe container to process the unspoken.
Children with sensory processing issues or trauma histories especially benefit from art because it rewires the neural pathways connected to safety and agency. It teaches that "I can make a mark in the world," which is a deeply spiritual truth.
Art as Prophetic Expression in Children
Children often draw what they see in the spirit before they can explain it. Many prophetic children (and even neurodivergent children) naturally channel truth through imagery, symbols, and color. Their artwork may include angels, unknown places, or spiritual warfare themes; even before they have the vocabulary for these realities.
In Christian parenting and teaching, recognizing this and creating non-judgmental spaces for artistic expression can allow spiritual gifts to blossom. Art can be a window into what the Holy Spirit is communicating through your child.
Art Therapy Research & Psychology Stats
60% of school-aged children show improved emotional regulation within 6 weeks of weekly art sessions (National Art Therapy Association, 2021).
Children with ADHD, autism, or PTSD who participated in creative expression therapy showed 33–45% reductions in anxiety levels (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2020).
A study by the American Psychological Association found that creative outlets reduce aggression and increase empathy in children by stimulating mirror neuron systems—the biological basis for compassion.
Creativity Is a Birthright, Not a Luxury
In today’s tech-heavy world, children's creativity is often replaced by consumption. But creativity is not extra, it’s essential. It’s a form of processing, praying, and integrating life. Art gives children the space to slow down, be present with themselves and God, and express truths that are more felt than spoken.
Art is not just self-expression; it’s soul-expression. And when guided spiritually, it becomes a tool for healing, connection, and prophecy.
