Weather Inside: Drawing How You Feel
Presented by Mohan Chute · Duration
How can drawing feelings as weather help children explore what they feel?
Quick answer
Invite your child to draw their feelings as weather, such as sunshine, clouds or rain, and let them decide what the picture means. Listen before sharing your own ideas, and respect their choice to keep it private.
In this episode
An optional weather drawing that gives children a playful, low-pressure way to explore feelings, while adults listen with curiosity and accept mixed or changing emotions.
Who it is for: Parents, caregivers and teachers of young children.
Key takeaways
- The child decides what their picture means.
- Several kinds of weather can appear at once.
- Privacy is a valid choice; sharing is optional.
- Feelings, like weather, can change or stay the same.
Practical ideas to try
- Offer paper and colours and ask what their weather might look like today.
- Draw your own weather picture alongside them if you like.
- Ask, "Would you like to tell me about your picture?"
- Ask what their weather might need: company, a rest or some space.
A real-life moment
After a busy school day, a child draws a sun with a grey cloud beside it. The parent draws a soft cloud and says, "I feel a little tired today." The child explains that the cloud is about a friend who was not at school, and the sun is about painting class.
Adapting for different ages and needs
Younger children may just choose a colour for their mood. Older children might add wind, rainbows or their own symbols. Children who do not like drawing can pick weather cards, use stickers or describe their weather in words.
Respecting feelings and boundaries
Accept the picture as it is. Avoid trying to turn rain into sunshine. If a child shares something worrying, listen, thank them, and seek appropriate support where needed.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child draws a storm?
Stay curious and calm. Ask if they would like to tell you about it, and what might help. A storm picture is information, not a problem to fix.
Should I interpret my child's drawing?
Avoid guessing. Let your child explain if they want to, and keep any questions open and gentle.
Is this activity a way to assess my child's emotions?
No. It is a creative, optional activity. If you have ongoing concerns about your child's wellbeing, speak with a qualified professional.
Episode transcript
Read the full transcript
Transcript based on the recording script.
Welcome to The Holistic Care Podcast. I'm Mohan. If feelings looked like weather, what might yours look like today?
Invite your child to draw their own weather picture. It might have sunshine… clouds… rain… or several kinds of weather together. They can use colours, lines, shapes, or anything else they choose.
Draw beside them if you like. You might say, “I feel a little tired today. My picture has a soft cloud.” Let your child decide what their own picture means.
When they finish, ask, “Would you like to tell me about your picture?” If they want to share, listen before offering your own ideas. If they prefer privacy, you can simply appreciate the time you spent drawing together. Perhaps their weather needs company… a rest… or a little space.
You can ask what would feel helpful. Children may feel several things at once. Their picture can change, or stay just as it is.
Put the drawing somewhere they choose, or keep it safely for later. Thank you for listening to The Holistic Care Podcast.
Keep exploring
These are optional, general educational ideas, not clinical assessment or treatment. If you are concerned about a child, speak to a qualified professional. AI-assisted narration created with ElevenLabs.