Many children know what they want.
They want to make friends, learn a new skill, perform better at school, join a sports team, or become more confident.
Yet when they encounter a challenge, they often become frustrated, discouraged, or give up entirely.
As parents and educators, our instinct is usually to offer advice:
“Just keep trying.”
“Don’t worry.”
“You can do it.”
While encouragement is important, children sometimes need something different.
They need a way to see the challenge in front of them and discover their own path through it.
One simple drawing activity can help.
Why Children Sometimes Give Up
Many children focus entirely on the goal.
They imagine success but rarely think about the obstacles that may appear along the way.
When difficulties arise, they can feel surprised, disappointed, or convinced that they are failing.
What they often do not realise is that obstacles are a normal part of any journey.
The challenge is not avoiding obstacles.
The challenge is learning how to navigate them.
This is where a concept from psychology called “mental contrasting” can be helpful.
Mental contrasting involves thinking about a desired future while also considering the obstacles that may stand in the way.
Research suggests that combining hopes with realistic awareness can improve motivation and goal-directed behaviour.
For children, however, abstract psychological concepts can be difficult to understand.
Drawing can make these ideas visible.
The Treasure Chest Activity
This activity works particularly well for children between 8 and 12 years old, although many teenagers enjoy it too.
What You Need
- Plain paper
- Coloured pencils, crayons, or markers
- A comfortable space for conversation
Step 1: Draw a Treasure Chest
Invite your child to draw a treasure chest.
Ask:
“What is something you would really like to achieve or get better at?”
Some examples include:
- Making a new friend
- Improving reading skills
- Joining a sports team
- Becoming more organised
- Learning an instrument
- Feeling more confident
Encourage them to write or draw their goal inside the treasure chest.
Step 2: Draw the Path
Next, ask them to draw a path leading to the treasure.
This represents their journey towards their goal.
Step 3: Draw the Obstacle
Now invite them to draw a large obstacle blocking the path.
This could be:
- A boulder
- A mountain
- A wall
- A river
- A dragon
- Any obstacle they imagine
Then ask:
“What might get in the way?”
Possible answers might include:
- Fear
- Worry
- Getting distracted
- Lack of practice
- Feeling shy
- Giving up too soon
Whatever they identify is acceptable.
There are no wrong answers.
Step 4: Draw a Way Around It
Now comes the most important part.
Ask your child:
“What is one small thing you could do if this obstacle appears?”
They can draw:
- A bridge
- Stepping stones
- A ladder
- A tunnel
- A helper character
- A map
The goal is not to create perfect solutions.
The goal is to help children recognise that obstacles can be approached creatively.
What This Activity Teaches
1. Emotional Awareness
Children learn to identify thoughts and feelings that may affect their behaviour.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
Instead of focusing solely on the problem, children begin exploring possible solutions.
3. Resilience
Children discover that setbacks do not mean failure.
They are simply part of the journey.
4. Growth Mindset
The activity encourages children to view abilities as something that can develop through effort and learning.
5. Self-Reflection
Children gain insight into their own strengths, worries, and motivations.
Why Art Can Be More Effective Than Advice
Many children struggle to explain complex feelings verbally.
Drawing provides an alternative language.
When children create images, they can externalise worries and ideas that may otherwise remain hidden.
Creative activities can reduce pressure, increase engagement, and encourage meaningful conversations between children and adults.
Instead of feeling lectured, children feel involved.
Instead of being told what to do, they become active participants in discovering solutions.
Questions to Explore Together
After completing the drawing, consider asking:
- What was the easiest part to draw?
- What was the hardest part to draw?
- What obstacle surprised you?
- What would help if that obstacle appeared tomorrow?
- Who could support you on your journey?
- What is one small step you can take this week?
These questions encourage deeper reflection without turning the activity into an interrogation.
Watch the Activity in Action
If you would like to see this activity demonstrated visually, watch the accompanying YouTube Short:
Seeing the drawing unfold can make it even easier to try with your child at home or in the classroom.
Recommended Art Supplies
If you enjoy using creative activities to support emotional wellbeing and learning, these supplies can be helpful:
Drawing Materials
- Crayola Washable Markers
- Crayola Coloured Pencils
- Faber-Castell Connector Pens
- Sharpie Creative Markers
Sketchbooks and Journals
Emotional Learning Resources
- Feelings Wheel Posters for Children
- Social Emotional Learning Activity Cards
- Growth Mindset Journals for Kids
- Emotional Regulation Workbooks
Final Thoughts
Children do not always need more encouragement.
Sometimes they need a way to see the challenge, understand the obstacle, and imagine a path forward.
This simple drawing activity combines creativity, emotional awareness, and problem-solving in a way that feels playful rather than instructional.
The next time your child feels stuck, try reaching for paper and markers instead of immediate advice.
You may be surprised by the insights that emerge.
Ready to Try It?
📌 Save this activity for later.
🎨 Try it with your child this week.
💬 Leave a comment below: What obstacle did your child draw?
📺 Don’t forget to watch the YouTube demonstration and subscribe for more expressive arts, psychology, and emotional wellbeing activities for children, teens, parents, and educators.
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