In my mother-in-law’s attic, there’s a massive bin filled with Legos and a few boxes of various items from my husband’s younger years. She’s holding onto these until our kids are old enough to enjoy these relics, or until we find a bigger home.
On one hand, it’s nice that remnants of his childhood still exist. On the other hand, my kids won’t have to wait for a larger house to reclaim their childhood mementos because I’m not keeping any of it. No board books, no tattered dolls, no toddler hats or little girl gloves. Once my kids have outgrown something, it’s off to a friend, someone in need, or Goodwill. Out it goes, into the hands of someone who could truly use it. It’s not that I’m cold-hearted or indifferent about my kids holding onto pieces of their childhood; I’m just a minimalist at heart.
We move around a lot, and I see no reason to drag around boxes that will end up in closets and basements, waiting until my kids are “old enough” to appreciate what’s inside. Personally, I’m not particularly nostalgic and don’t keep items from my own childhood, so maybe I’m projecting my own values onto my kids—after all, that’s what moms do. I’ve taught them to walk, talk, and even use a fork, which gives me the right to declutter their past.
What happens if I do hold onto those drooled-on blankets and gnawed wooden blocks, only to have my kids turn out like me? I’d just be wasting time and closet space. I hope my kids grow up in a minimalist generation that values experiences over possessions. With smartphones and social media, our memories are more accessible than ever, stored in the Cloud. Why do we need dusty items when we can preserve our memories through pictures? The purpose of keeping things is to evoke memories, and honestly, those warm fuzzies can come from images just as easily as from physical objects.
Moreover, I don’t want my children to become attached to things. Stuff can get lost, broken, or lose its significance over time. I’m mainly attached to my laptop because it supports my livelihood—everything else can go into a dumpster fire, and I wouldn’t shed a tear. I firmly believe that people, not possessions, are what truly matter. Family, friends, and caring for those in need are what shape who we are.
I’d much rather my kids focus on loving others and creating memories with family and friends, rather than hauling boxes of old toys into their first apartments. I understand that others, like my mother-in-law, may have more sentimental views on this topic, which is why I find her attachment endearing. But my kids won’t be keeping a tiny box filled with baby teeth.
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In summary, I prioritize experiences and relationships over keeping physical reminders of childhood. I want my children to grow up valuing people and memories rather than material possessions.