A parent finds this pic in their 7-yr-old child’s school bag. Expressing feelings about a parents divorce may be difficult especially in high conflict situations. Sometimes a child can share their emotions and thoughts through art.  Both houses appear on a hill at the same level indicating equality in their parent’s position (in their life and with power?).  

The child appears sorrowful and seems to have a pronounced frown. The arrows in between the thought bubbles show the need to accommodate both parents. Question marks in the bubbles appear as thoughts indicating confusion about the separation. Perhaps, even being placed in a position to choose sides.  Curiously, the question mark on mom’s side is larger and the hill somewhat higher even though Dad’s house is taller.

The figure has no hands possibly revealing emotional insecurity. No feet in a drawing may indicate a lack of control over their destiny or a sense of helplessness. This is a very unfortunate picture indeed.

Sadly, this is one picture that will not be placed on the fridge.

#439, Sadness of Divorce

Categories: A Child’s View, A Parent’s Heartache, Impact on child