Inside/outside masks
Many times we keep things inside when we don’t feel safe to show it to others. We can often think about this as our inner world versus what we show on the outside.
This activity allows children to explore the feelings they have on the inside versus how they show themselves to the outside world.
Materials: paper or cardstock, coloring and drawing materials; a mirror
Begin by having your child/children draw two ovals, or helping them to draw two ovals. On the first oval have them draw a self portrait using the mirror. When your child has finished the portrait explain that the other oval is the inside of the mask. Ask them to use their imagination to draw how they feel inside.
Give your child time to work—perhaps do one for yourself.
Discussion: When your child is finished discuss the differences between the two drawings.
Ask about what the creation of the masks felt like.
What feelings words can they put on the drawings.
Ask them about what things could change how the inside mask looks?
Look at the colors and patterns and just point them out to your child.
This kind of projective activity gets your child thinking about how they manage their inner emotions and how they can process big feelings without putting them on the spot.