How can I help my child use drawings or pictures to describe feelings? 

Parenting Perspective 

Drawing as a Lifeline 

For many neurodiverse children, and any child who finds words tricky, drawings and pictures can be a lifeline for expressing feelings. When big emotions feel stuck inside, having another way to ‘speak’ brings relief and helps you to understand what is happening within them. Start by making it clear that there is no ‘wrong’ way to draw feelings. Use gentle words: ‘If you do not feel like talking, you can show me with a picture instead.’ 

Create Simple Habits and Tools 

Create simple, everyday habits around this practice. Keep paper and pencils where your child can easily reach them. Try making a ‘feelings folder’ where they can safely store their drawings. Some children find it helpful to draw faces with different expressions, or to use colours to show if they feel angry, sad, scared, or happy. You could say, ‘Show me what your feeling looks like today,’ instead of asking them to explain with words. Praise any effort, no matter how small or messy. Remind your child that you are not judging their drawing skills; you are honouring their feelings. Over time, these gentle habits show your child that their emotions have a safe way out, and that you will always listen, even if they cannot say it out loud. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that Allah Almighty knows every hidden emotion, even the ones we cannot find words for. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Qaf (50), Verse 16: 

‘And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.‘

This Ayah reminds your child that no feeling is invisible to Allah Almighty, whether it is spoken, written, or drawn. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Dua is worship. ‘

You can help your child link their drawings to a small prayer: ‘Ya Allah, You know what my heart feels. Please help me feel calm.’ This simple act plants the truth in their heart that every feeling, whether shared through words, pictures, or tears, is known, understood, and soothed by Allah Almighty. By welcoming their drawings with warmth and care, you give your child a safe space to release what is inside, building trust that they will always be heard by you and held by the One who knows them best.