Anyone know how to decipher children's drawings/

[somethingshiny]

Lately all of JT's drawings are the same. It's always he and I standing by his swingset in the grass with a big sun shining. He draws us equal in height and always smiling, the only difference between "him" and "me" is I have very big shoulders. That's what he points out about the drawings. "This is you with the big shoulders and this is me." These pics never show DH or Lily.

I know that "they" say you can tell a lot about children based on their drawings and I was wondering if anyone could give some insight to this one.

 

[tyty333]

I have no opinion but just wanted to let you know that my daughter does this a lot. Just me and her even though there are 5
in our family. I'm the taller one. She is the shorter one. I guess that just means we are the most important people in their
lives .

 

[fieryred33143]

I know that when I was younger, I used to find something that I liked to draw and then become obsessed with drawing just that one thing. My coworker's daughter does the same. She learned how to draw a flower and for a while, that was all she would draw. She visited the office once and drew a flower for everyone

Could you ask him why he doesn't draw a picture of dad or of Lily?

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

Lately all of JT's drawings are the same. It's always he and I standing by his swingset in the grass with a big sun shining. He draws us equal in height and always smiling, the only difference between "him" and "me" is I have very big shoulders. That's what he points out about the drawings. "This is you with the big shoulders and this is me." These pics never show DH or Lily.

I know that "they" say you can tell a lot about children based on their drawings and I was wondering if anyone could give some insight to this one.

I am a doctoral student in clinical child psychology - but take my interpretation with a grain of salt. With projectives of any kind, there is always a multitude of interpretations.

My take is the following: He obviously has a very close relationship with you, and a strong attachment. This is why he keeps drawing the two of you together, with the sun shinning over you both (sun represents happiness - as do the smiling faces). The wide shoulders represent how he sees you as a leader, a caregiver, and a protector. He draws you as the same height since he sees you as equals, in the sense that you respect him and he respects you. I think this is a very beautiful drawing for a child, and I would be very happy to see a drawing like this when working with children. It is a very positive depiction of how he feels about your relationship. Kids tend to draw the same things over and over again, so don't be alarmed by that. Sounds like you two have a wonderful relationship. Hope this helps

 

[somethingshiny]

ilove~ I'll take it! lol

I was concerned with what I didn't see but apparently it's not uncommon to not put in the whole family. I was also concerned that the big shoulders meant scary or something and that the equal height indicated a lack of respect. I guess I'm just concerned because of all the changes that have taken place lately and I want to make sure that he is truly content.

Thanks for the responses!

If anyone has a different opinion, I'd like to hear it too.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

ilove~ I'll take it! lol

I was concerned with what I didn't see but apparently it's not uncommon to not put in the whole family. I was also concerned that the big shoulders meant scary or something and that the equal height indicated a lack of respect. I guess I'm just concerned because of all the changes that have taken place lately and I want to make sure that he is truly content.

Thanks for the responses!

If anyone has a different opinion, I'd like to hear it too.

Hi Somethingshiny!

Well, the equal height thing means he sees you as an equal. I would think that was a good thing given the rest of the context in the picture (the smiling faces, and sun shinning, you two side by side...) but if there are behavioral issues at home then that interpretation may be wrong. Perhaps if he sees you as equals, that might not be a good thing! Again, very hard to decipher since I have no background info.

 

[somethingshiny]

I don't think we're having any serious issues. JT has had a hard time adjusting to the new baby. Due to a heart condition she requires extra care and time. Obviously he is no longer the soul center of our world anymore and it bothers him. He's really not listening well but that may just be par for the course with a 4 yr old.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

I don't think we're having any serious issues. JT has had a hard time adjusting to the new baby. Due to a heart condition she requires extra care and time. Obviously he is no longer the soul center of our world anymore and it bothers him. He's really not listening well but that may just be par for the course with a 4 yr old.

Yes, it's completely normal for an older sibling to go through an adjustment period right after a younger sibling is born. Given your background info, it is also possible that his drawings of the two of you are emphasizing his desire to have more attention from you. Either way, it will pass, and I still think the drawings demonstrate that he has a positive view of the relationship between the two of you

 

[tyty333]

Ilovethiswebsite - I'm making note of your education. You'll probably hear from me in the future. I bet you have
all kinds of useful information . Kids are about the most complex/confusing/sometimes infuriating/but mostly
loving things I know.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

Ilovethiswebsite - I'm making note of your education. You'll probably hear from me in the future. I bet you have
all kinds of useful information . Kids are about the most complex/confusing/sometimes infuriating/but mostly
loving things I know.

Of course, you can contact me anytime!

 

[Nashville]

Lately all of JT's drawings are the same. It's always he and I standing by his swingset in the grass with a big sun shining. He draws us equal in height and always smiling, the only difference between "him" and "me" is I have very big shoulders. That's what he points out about the drawings. "This is you with the big shoulders and this is me." These pics never show DH or Lily.

I know that "they" say you can tell a lot about children based on their drawings and I was wondering if anyone could give some insight to this one.

I am a doctoral student in clinical child psychology - but take my interpretation with a grain of salt. With projectives of any kind, there is always a multitude of interpretations.

My take is the following: He obviously has a very close relationship with you, and a strong attachment. This is why he keeps drawing the two of you together, with the sun shinning over you both (sun represents happiness - as do the smiling faces). The wide shoulders represent how he sees you as a leader, a caregiver, and a protector. He draws you as the same height since he sees you as equals, in the sense that you respect him and he respects you. I think this is a very beautiful drawing for a child, and I would be very happy to see a drawing like this when working with children. It is a very positive depiction of how he feels about your relationship. Kids tend to draw the same things over and over again, so don't be alarmed by that. Sounds like you two have a wonderful relationship. Hope this helps

This explanation actually brought tears to my eyes. I've become so weepy since having a baby! I just think it's so nice... kids can't always articulate how they're feeling and you do wonder but it sounds like you have a very happy kiddo there who loves you. That's all any parent can ask for!

 

[swingirl]

I also think that your son is saying he is very happy when the two of you play together, especially outside on the swing set. I think he likes the time together. It is very common for young kids to leave siblings out of their drawings. They are still self centered and life revolves around them and their parents. The sun is definitely a good happy thing.

 

[zoebartlett]

I also think that your son is saying he is very happy when the two of you play together, especially outside on the swing set. I think he likes the time together. It is very common for young kids to leave siblings out of their drawings. They are still self centered and life revolves around them and their parents. The sun is definitely a good happy thing.

This is what I was thinking. Nothing to worry about!

 

[somethingshiny]

Thanks for the replies!

Since Lily was born, I try to make time for JT and I to do things together but it's usually GOING some place. I think he just wants to hang out like we used to, so that's what we'll do!