What is Whole Child Development

This study supports the value of collaborative visual artmaking in the pursuit of strong relationships, healthy bonding, and the development of the whole child. Based on educational, artistic, and child development theory, this mixed-methods study utilized arts-based collaborative experiences to measure potential growth in the areas of bonding, attachment, and relationship development between child and caregiver pairs (dyads). Through informal art-making sessions, caregivers and their child experienced collaborative artmaking and rated their own personal view of their relationship and bond with their dyad partner in pre and post-assessment surveys, through interviews and storytelling, and through observation using a bonding assessment chart. It was found that collaborative artmaking does indeed have a positive effect on the deepening of relationships and supports an increase in positive family behaviors and dynamics.