Because drawing and comics are important for the growth of children and teenagers
Expressing yourself through drawing and comics is important for children and teenagers. To parents the task of making sheets, pencils and colors always available to children, without ever forcing them to draw, but leaving them the freedom to communicate themselves and their emotions
The drawing It is not only an art form, but a real language of communication and self -expression. So much so that every year, on April 27 his world day is celebrated. This discipline, together with the comic, is particularly significant in evolutionary age, since it promotes psychological development, socialization and individual well -being. Precisely for this leading role, the Turin Comics This year has dedicated an in -depth space to these themes with the meeting « Create to grow », organized under the patronage of SINPIA – Italian Society of Neuropsychiatry of Child and Adolescence.
Drawing: the meaning in the different evolutionary phases
«Since prehistory, the drawing has represented a method of expression and communication of the significant experiences of human life, – he explains Pia Massaglia, infantile neuropsychiatrist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist -. For children, the possibility of drawing is of multiple functions: it refines motor coordination, improves observation skills, allows representing known reality, stimulates creativity and imagination. As they draw they increase their concentration and at the same time express their emotions». Already in the second year of life, children begin to trace signs and scarabocchiwhich gradually evolve into more complex figures, influenced by the interaction with adults and in relation to the quality of the experiences lived.
Express themselves through drawing
The artistic activities, if adapted to age, favor self -knowledge and mentalization, fundamental processes for the construction of identity. « The drawing allows children to express themselves freely and strengthens the sense of self, promoting trust in their skills -continues Massaglia -. Parents play a key role: always make adequate materials available to age, without forcing the child to draw. This allows a spontaneous and authentic expression. The child draws when he wants to communicate something to adults, when he wants to reassure himself that he is active, to be able to affect experiences and his world leaving a trace ». Why this happens, It is important that the drawing is free, which starts from its underwear And not that he is asked to copy or reproduce something.
Art therapy: because it is an important tool
Art-therapy offers the possibility of expressing itself in a non-verbal way. This methodology It is useful for everyone, starting from the three yearsbut it is particularly indicated In cases of expressive difficulties and evolutionary blocks, especially in adolescence. Through this approach, young people can find confidence in themselves and in their future, transforming the discomfort into an opportunity for growth. «Thanks to the use of artistic materials of various kinds, you connect with yourself and, at the same time, you are related to the othernot only with the art therapist, but also with group companions – underlines Massaglia -. The goal is to facilitate free expression. The art therapy can take place in two ways: with individual works or with collective creations. In the latter case, the group can choose a theme to be represented, such as a landscape, to which everyone will offer their own artistic contribution. What matters is that the boys are not conditioned, but that their expression is accompanied to acquire meaning ».
Comics: images and words to tell a story
The comic represents a form of narration that combines images and words. Unlike the drawing, tells a story. There are comics, born from the pen of great artists, who are true works of art, dedicated to an adult audience. But There are for all age groups, even for the little onesand are an intermediate stop with respect to communicating in a verbal way only. «Pre-adolescent and teenagers are fascinated by comics, especially manga. Thanks to this interest, precious experiences have already been made already in elementary schools, but This tool expresses its full potential for middle school pupils – concludes Massaglia -. Turin Comics represents an important opportunity for Create connections between the educational world and that of the game. It is important that adults realize that drawing and comics are not only a pastime, but communication tools, representation and therefore of growth. Fondamel for the mental well -being of young people».
