When Words Are Not Enough: Children Expressing Feelings Through Creativity

On 16 May 2026, Maxable® Young Voices brought children together for a creative session exploring feelings, thoughts and the different ways we communicate.

We wanted children to have more than one way to take part. Talking is not always the easiest starting point, so we used art, colour and creativity to open up the conversation.

Why Creative Expression Matters

The children were free to create in their own way and, if they wanted to, tell us what their work meant to them.

That part mattered.

A drawing that looks happy to an adult may mean something completely different to the child who made it. A colour, shape or image cannot tell us on its own what a child is thinking or feeling.

The meaning belongs to the child.

Our Approach

For us, creative expression is not about analysing children’s artwork. It is about giving children another way to begin a conversation and then listening to what they choose to tell us.

That idea has stayed with Maxable Young Voices as the initiative has grown: children do not all communicate in the same way, so listening should not depend on one way of speaking.

Sometimes a conversation begins with a question.

Sometimes it begins with a drawing.

What matters is that we make room for both.

Children Speak. Adults Listen. Change Begins.

About Maxable Young Voices

Maxable Young Voices is an initiative of Maxable® Global, creating opportunities for children and young people to express their views, contribute ideas and take part in conversations about their wellbeing and the things that affect their lives.