I work at an emergency shelter serving survivors of domestic violence and their children who are actively fleeing their person of harm and seeking refuge in a safe space. This particular workshop was conducted with a mother and her teenage son.

Upon completion of their Touchstones, they shared the meaning behind their creations. The mother created a pomegranate, a symbol of fertility, abundance, and life/good fortune in Armenian and Russian culture. Her son created the St. Petersburg Coat of Arms, the logo for his favorite soccer team, and a heart. She said, “This activity reminded me how much I love art, and it encouraged me to go back to it. My husband stopped me from doing art and now I can try to do it again.”

The workshop provided space for mother and son to reflect on what was important to them. It also created an opportunity for them to connect and learn from each other. The mother learned that her son’s dream is to be a professional soccer player, and he learned about his mother’s love of art. The workshop allowed them to see each other as more than just mother and son, but as people who each were on their own personal journey in life. 

Prior to facilitating Touchstones with this mother at the shelter I did the workshop with my own three boys who are 6-10 years old. Like her, I quickly found that it connected me to my children. My eldest created multiple touchstones around becoming a basketball player. My middle one depicted his interest in protecting nature with pictures of axolotls and the earth. My youngest drew a dog as a future pet, and mom and son cuddling, symbolizing his desire to connect and spend time together. 

Through the workshop I gained awareness on how our relationship, my choices as a mother, and my dedication and support toward my children was visible in their art. Both this mother and I had helped mold our children’s dreams, hopes, interests, and goals by simply being present and putting them first. We had faced fears and overcome challenges to raise individuals who were confident in themselves and not hesitant to express their needs and wants. For both of us, I think we realized that communication doesn’t always have to be verbal, and not to underestimate our children’s ability to reveal who they are when provided with the opportunity.