How Drawing Pads Can Help Kids Express Emotions and Reduce Screen Time

As parents, we often worry about our children’s emotional well-being and the amount of time they spend in front of screens. Between smartphones, tablets and TVs, it can be tough to get them to unplug. But here’s a gentle solution that combines creativity with emotional development art therapy for kids using drawing pads.

Drawing may seem like just a fun pastime, but it’s actually a powerful tool that allows children to process their feelings, boost their confidence, and reduce their dependence on screens. With just a sketchpad and a few minutes each day, kids can turn their thoughts into pictures and their stress into calm.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of art therapy for kids, how drawing pads make it accessible at home, and how products from myFirst Singapore can support this journey.

What Is Art Therapy for Kids?

Art therapy for kids is a gentle and creative way to help children explore their thoughts and emotions using art, especially drawing. It does not require any special artistic skill. It’s more about expression than perfection.

In Singapore, many parents and schools are turning to creative outlets to help kids cope with pressure from academics, social challenges, and even digital overstimulation. Drawing helps children process what they feel inside, especially when they find it hard to talk about it.

Why Drawing Pads Are Great for Art Therapy at Home

While professional art therapy sessions are helpful, you don’t need to wait for a formal appointment. A simple drawing pad at home can work wonders.

Here’s why drawing pads are a perfect tool for art therapy for kids:

• Portable and accessible – Kids can draw anywhere, anytime
• Private and non-verbal – They can express feelings without needing to explain in words
• No rules – Kids feel safe to create without being judged
• Helps reduce screen time – Drawing is a healthy alternative to watching videos or playing games

Whether it’s a paper pad or a digital tool like the myFirst sketch book, having a drawing pad around encourages children to turn to art when they feel overwhelmed, bored or upset.

How Drawing Helps Kids Express Emotions

Young children don’t always know how to say, “I’m sad” or “I’m angry.” Instead, these feelings show up through behaviour like tantrums, silence, or acting out. But when given a chance to draw freely, you may be surprised by what they create.

For example:

• A child who feels scared might draw a dark sky or a monster
• A happy child might fill a page with rainbows and hearts
• A frustrated child might use bold, angry strokes or scribbles

Art therapy for kids gives them a safe and healthy way to let those feelings out, instead of bottling them up or turning to passive screen time for distraction.

Simple Art Therapy Drawing Activities for Kids

Here are a few easy sketchpad activities you can do at home:

🎯Draw Your Feelings

Ask your child: “If your mood was a colour, what colour would it be today?” Then encourage them to draw shapes, patterns or images that show how they feel.

🎯Safe Space Drawing

Let your child design a peaceful place. It could be a beach, a cosy room, or even a spaceship. This helps reduce anxiety and create a sense of control.

🎯Anger Monsters

Ask your child to draw what their anger looks like. Give the monster a name and power. This makes big emotions feel more manageable.

🎯Gratitude Doodle

Every evening, ask them to draw one thing that made them smile during the day. Over time, this builds emotional resilience and positivity.

Each of these activities is part of art therapy for kids, made simple and engaging.

How Drawing Reduces Screen Time

When kids have a creative outlet they enjoy, they’re less likely to reach for the iPad out of boredom. Instead of passively consuming media, they become active creators.

Here’s what parents in Singapore are doing:

• Replacing evening TV time with family drawing sessions
• Keeping a sketchpad in the car or at restaurants to avoid phone usage
• Encouraging morning doodles before school to start the day calm and focused

Switching to drawing doesn’t have to be forced. When the tools are fun and easy to use, kids are more likely to choose them on their own.

The myFirst sketch book is a child-friendly LCD drawing pad designed for endless creativity. With its one-touch erase button and lightweight design, children can draw freely at home, in school or while travelling.

It’s perfect for art therapy for kids, especially when they want to express emotions without the pressure of making it perfect.

For children who are ready for more detailed drawing or longer sessions, the myFirst sketch pro neo offers a larger screen and app-syncing function. Parents can save their child’s artwork to track emotional patterns over time or just keep precious memories.

It’s a fantastic way to make art therapy for kids a part of everyday life while reducing screen reliance.

Real Story from a Singapore Parent

Lina, a mother of two in Bishan, shared this:

“My six-year-old son used to throw tantrums during homework time. We introduced the MyFirst Sketch Book and started a habit where he would draw how his day went before bed. He now talks more, calms down faster, and even asks to draw instead of using the tablet.”

Stories like this show how simple tools can create big change.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy world, children need quiet, creative spaces where they can just be themselves. Drawing pads are one of the easiest and most effective tools to support art therapy for kids which helping them release emotions, build self-awareness and disconnect from screens.

👉 Ready to help your child express their emotions and reduce screen time in a healthy way? Explore myFirst Singapore collection and make art therapy part of your family’s routine today.