I began to incorporate art into my writing when my daughter spent a year abroad on a high school student exchange program. To help both of us adjust to her leaving, I created a "Bon Voyage" book, in which I included her writings and drawings. In the preface of the book, I wrote, "I admire you for your courage to venture out from your home and community to explore a new culture. At the same time, it is difficult for me to loosen the ribbon that connects us."
http://www.gelardin.net/lifeworks/pages/narrative/exercises/1exbonvoyage.html My daughter missed home the first couple months of being away. I sent to her a mother-daughter alphabet book, in which a photo of her family and friends was used to illustrate each letter of the alphabet. Two years later, as my daughter was about to depart for college, we created collages together. We have continued to do this activity when she returns home to visit.
To help cope with traumas and difficult transitions, tell stories through art. Create collages with your children from magazine pictures of your child's and your own hopes and dreams for the future. View ideas for this and other art activities that you can do with your children:
http://www.gelardin.net/lifeworks/pages/narrative/exercises/0exsummary.html.
Since she was a child, my daughter has created art when she needed to be alone and reflective. The week after the catastrophe, she returned to her artwork. She said, "Maybe I should write about it (the disaster) to document my emotions. I have completely stopped watching and reading the news, to keep me calm, but also to keep me ignorant of what is to come (I know I will have to face it eventually, but I also have to function each day)." She said, "Painting has been a huge help."
To encourage children and adults to express their views on career development through poetry and art, the National Career Development Association sponsors a "Poetry and Poster Contest" each November in honor of National Career Month. View the NCDA web site for details:
http://www.ncda.org/poetrycontest2001.htm. All ages are encouraged to participate: Grades K-12, 6-8, 9-12, post secondary, and adults over 18.
After the terrorist attack, American flags decorated homes and offices throughout the country. Ema Drouillard (2001), a minister and marriage coach (
http://www.geocities.com/planetema), suggested that each school child draw a flag for humanity that acknowledges our worldwide community. Encourage your schools or youth organizations to submit entries to the National Career Month contest. Consider a classroom or youth group cooperative entry to NCDA's contest, such as creating a quilt composed of global humanity flags.
