This drawing reveals the emotions of an 8-year old during  parental divorce. A sad face is quite prominent.  Seemingly, the self representation has shorter arms meaning the child may feel weak or ineffective. There are no hands, perhaps indicating a sense of insecurity and problems with either home or school. Because this is a picture of divorce, a likely assessment is the child is exposed to parental conflict. The presentation of heavy feet in this drawing may indicate the child is seeking security.   Divorce is especially difficult for children. I hope someone notices how this child is feeling and offers emotional support.  

#477, Divorce Makes Me Feel Sad

A very sad picture. Each parent is in their own home looking out the window with unhappy facial expressions and large abundant tears. This child’s love is further separated as indicated in the broken heart with corresponding colors to the perspective house of each parent. Interestingly, the door way to each home is farthest from the child.  Does this mean the child does not want to enter either home? Does she feel welcome in both homes. From the child’s self portrait, she appears very sad with large eyes and downturned smile. Standing out the most is the umbrella; a symbol of protection. Her umbrella is held far out and offers no shelter at all. Are these parents aware of how their daughter feels? Do they know this young girl sees their sadness and feels torn between them? I hope someone helps this child in coping with the emotional turmoil reflected in her picture of divorce.

# 476, Two Sad Parents

A heart wrenching depiction of divorce by one child. The most prominent part is the jagged edge splitting the heart in two. Dad is on one side and mom on the other. Interestingly, dad is in black and white while mom is quite colorful, dressed in a floral dress and blonde hair. Neither parent is smiling. How sad for this child. I hope the parents realize how their child is impacted by the separation and make efforts to comfort their little one. Divorce is especially hard on young children.

#471, I Hate When They Separate

Excellent message! Divorce/separation has a tendency to turn everything upside down for everyone. Spending time with both parents is important. Putting the child at the forefront of all decisions helps make the transitions easier and reduces anxiety for everyone.

#470, Obligation to Child

FATHERLESSNESS is related to almost every societal problem that adolescents face.  Effects of fatherless homes runs rampant impacting future generations. RESEARCH is consistent.  A loving and nurturing father improves outcomes for children and families.

#469, A Good Father

If you are considering suicide as a solution to parental divorce or another family matter, PLEASE stop and seek help. There are many groups that offer emotional support.

USA: National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255USA

USA: 2-1-1 Offers free and low-cost services and resources

USA: Emergency services: 9-1-1

UK: Hopeline, 0800 068 4141

UK: Helpline, Helpline 0800 132 737

Divorce brings about many changes for everyone. This artist expresses devastating sadness due to the accompanying issues of parental divorce. No/minimal contact with one parent, no/minimal contact with a sibling, issues with step a family are common concerns impacting their daily lives. Some children and adolescents perceive the changes as devastating; with no hope for something better. 

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NOTE: If you are considering suicide as a solution to parental divorce or another family  matter PLEASE stop and seek help. There are many groups that offer emotional support. 
USA: National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255USA 
USA: 2-1-1 Offers free and low-cost services and resources
USA: Emergency services: 9-1-1
UK: Hopeline, 0800 068 4141
UK: Helpline, Helpline 0800 132 737

#466, Nothing Matters? by Anonymous