Gather art supplies—paint, markers, crayons, paper, magazines for collaging, clay, or whatever you have on hand. Spread everything out in a comfortable spot where mess is okay. Put on old clothes or smocks. Play calm background music if desired. The goal is creating a judgment-free space where kids feel free to experiment without worrying about making something 'good.'

Let your child create whatever comes to mind when they think about their feelings. There's no assignment, no goal, no theme—just make art. Maybe they paint angry red scribbles, draw a happy memory, collage images that feel calm, or sculpt something abstract. The process matters more than the product. Encourage them to work silently at first, really tuning into their emotions.

When your child finishes creating, give them space to decide if they want to talk about their art. Some kids eagerly explain every detail; others prefer keeping it private. Both are fine. If they want to share, listen without judgment. Ask open-ended questions like 'What were you thinking about while you made this?' or 'How does this piece make you feel now?' Honor their interpretation, even if it's not what you'd guess from looking at it.

Talk about what it was like to make emotion art. Did creating help them understand their feelings better? Did anything surprise them? How do they feel now compared to when they started? Acknowledge that expressing emotions through art is a skill they can use anytime—no special supplies needed, just the willingness to create from feeling rather than thinking.

Decide together what to do with the artwork. Some kids want it displayed proudly; others prefer privacy. Both are valid. Options include hanging it in their room, putting it in a portfolio, taking a photo then recycling it, or creating an 'emotion art' collection. The key is respecting your child's wishes about their emotional work. It belongs to them.