Heartwarming Moments with Level 3 Activity: Scribbling

When my foster child chose the scribbling activity from the Level 3 activity kit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The task was simple: draw a portrait of your family using only lines, dots, or scribbles. At first glance, it seemed like just another creative exercise. But what unfolded was a deeply touching experience that reminded me why these moments matter so much in foster parenting.

The Power of Simple Expression

Art doesn’t always need to be perfect or detailed to carry meaning. In fact, the scribbling activity strips away the pressure of creating something “right” or “pretty.” It invites children to express themselves freely, using whatever marks come naturally. For my foster child, who often struggles to find words for complex feelings, this was a perfect outlet.

When they picked up the pencil and started drawing, I watched quietly. The lines were wild and free, and scribbles looping in unexpected ways. It wasn’t a traditional portrait, but it was theirs. Each stroke seemed to tell a story about how they see our family, not just the people, but the feelings and connections between us.

Seeing Family Through Their Eyes

What made this activity so heartwarming was the way my foster child included everyone in their drawing. There were no faces or clear shapes, just abstract marks that somehow captured the essence of each family member. I noticed eye shapes that represented me, surrounded by swirling lines that felt like warmth and protection.

This abstract portrait reminded me that family is more than appearances. It’s about the bonds we build, the safety we offer, and the love we share, even when it’s hard to say out loud. The scribbling activity gave my foster child a way to show all of that without needing perfect words or images.

Encouraging Emotional Connection

One of the biggest challenges in foster parenting is helping children feel secure and connected. Activities like this scribbling exercise create a gentle space for emotional expression. After my foster child finished their drawing, they shared a few thoughts about what each scribble meant. It was a breakthrough moment, a glimpse into their inner world. This simple activity became a bridge for communication, helping us understand each other better.

Practical Tips for Using Scribbling Activities

If you’re a foster parent looking to try this activity, here are some tips that worked well for us:

• Provide a variety of drawing tools: crayons, markers, pencils, and paper of different sizes. This lets the child choose what feels best.

• Avoid giving too many instructions: Let the child lead the process. The goal is expression, not perfection.

• Ask open-ended questions: When they finish, gently ask what parts of the drawing mean to them. This encourages sharing without pressure.

• Celebrate all efforts: Praise the creativity and courage it takes to express feelings in new ways.

• Use the drawing as a conversation starter: It can open doors to talk about emotions and experiences.

  
  

Building Trust Through Creative Play

This scribbling activity reminded me how important it is to create safe spaces for foster children to explore their feelings. Trust doesn’t happen overnight, but moments like these build it step by step. When a child feels heard and valued, even through scribbles on paper, it strengthens the foundation of your relationship.

I felt proud watching my foster child choose this activity and pour their heart into it. It was a small act with a big impact and a reminder that love and family can be expressed in many forms.