Focus: Family Communication
Goals: Encourage ongoing communication and self-expression about an illness in the family.
Materials: Dry-erase board and markers
Instructions:
- Everyone takes turns drawing their biggest worry or fear for the other family members to guess.
- When someone guesses correctly, validate and acknowledge the fear that comes up. For example, “It is scary when I have to go to the hospital.”
- When you are reflecting back the fear, it’s okay to share how that same situation makes you feel (as a parent). Then, together, begin brainstorming ideas for coping when those feelings surface (e.g., “When I’m feeling scared about going to the hospital, I try and think about how caring the medical team is and how I’ll be able to talk with you all each day.”).
- Finally, allow the participant to erase the picture and make that fear/worry “disappear.” This part can be a powerful part of the game.
- Ensure everyone has a turn and modify as you feel all would benefit. Other themes to focus the drawings on could be: “Coping strategies” “What brings you joy?” “What do you do when you need cheering up?” (etc.)
