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People seen as animals: a child's perspective

I wanted to bring you one of my go to therapy activities. I use this activity to just see how kids see people in their lives. Sometimes we have one perception and kids have a different perception so its great to know what kids are thinking. Its also good for us, as adults, to stop ourselves from making assumptions about what kids are thinking. Kids are very perceptive and have their own world. Its our job as adults to gain a deeper understanding and help them to navigate and lead them towards personal, emotional and physical growth. 

Activity Time!

Have your child use a piece of paper, they can choose any type of paper (construction paper, colored paper, white paper, etc). Have them use markers, stickers, glue, whatever makes them happy. Ask them to draw their class, their family, their friends, or any group of people as animals. Please remember that your definition of what an animal means is not what a child may feel an animal means. Ask your child to tell you about their picture and allow them to explain. Try your best not to make any judgments and ask questions to help them explain and elaborate on their artwork.

This can be used so you can see how your child perceives the world around them. Maybe they feel that their teacher is an camel. You  may think a camel means slow and lumpy but they may be a camel because your child says their teacher is interesting, fun and always up for a trip. Maybe your child feels their classmate is a hippo. You may think that is because they are aggressive and they like to hide but your child may think they are a hippo because they drink a lot of water. Maybe they feel that their best friend is a snake. You may think a snake means that they are poisonous and mean but your child may say they are a snake because they can sneak around quietly. Maybe they feel like a classmate is a owl. You may think its because they don’t sleep a lot because they stay up late, but your child may think they are an owl because they are wise and like to answer a lot of questions in class (or because they like tootsie pops!)

This should be a conversation starter for kids and parents. Use this exercise as a way to open up those communication channels. See how your child is feeling and allow the space to understand their perspective of relationships and others.



You are brave, good people :)



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