"Will Mummy Come Back?"

Two young brothers were happily painting at the studio when, suddenly, the younger one—just 7 years old—burst into tears.

I sat beside him and asked,
“Why are you crying?”
“Do you want mummy?”
He nodded.

I tried to reassure him, “Mummy will be back soon…”
But something inside nudged me to go deeper:
“Do you think Mummy is not coming back?”
He nodded again.
“Do you think Mummy doesn’t want you?”
Another silent nod.

My heart ached.

His tears weren’t just about missing Mum during her quick toilet break. They came from somewhere much deeper — a quiet fear… an inner insecurity.

I held him close and whispered,
“Of course, Mummy loves you. You are her son. She will come back for you.”
Then I added,
“And even when she is away, I am here. Your teachers are here. We love you too.”

He calmed down in my arms as I held his head and wrapped him firmly in my arms, and gave him some water to drink.

When his mum returned, I shared what had happened.

She admitted he has always needed her close, even while sleeping.
I affirmed her gentle parenting and offered a few tools to help build his inner confidence:

✨ Assure him regularly of your love, not just with words, but also through physical affection, such as hugs. I shared the hug his son needed and demonstrated by giving her a warm, full, assuring hug.
✨ Build his sense of security — till he knows and believes: “I will be okay, even when Mummy is not beside me.”
✨ Be honest and consistent — if you are stepping out, say so, and always return as promised.
✨ Speak love into his dreams — softly whisper into his ears after he sleeps, speaking to his subconscious: “Mummy loves you very, very much.”

She left with a lighter heart… and so did I.

This is the heart of our Growth ART program.

At stART Studio, we use art not just to teach, but to connect and to heal.

With Warmth and Love,
Elfin
Founder, stART Studio
Crafting Confidence, One Brushstroke at a Time 🎨💛