"Colouring is a good emotional release for children. When they are upset, anxious, or overstimulated, pulling out crayons and sitting down can calm them down. The back-and-forth rhythmic motion of colouring calms the body and mind, similar to meditation.
It also enables kids to communicate emotions indirectly. A kid who can't explain their emotions will still be able to select colors... https://www.ethiovisit.com/myplace/posts/454381