On my way to my 3-year-old’s preschool today, I was warmly greeted by the sight of a cubby overflowing with my son’s creations. I couldn’t help but suppress a sigh as the teacher beamed at the array of colorful scribbles. With a smile masking my true feelings, I took the pile to my car, returned home, and promptly tossed the entire collection into the trash.
Am I a terrible parent? Absolutely not—just practical.
Every scrap of paper my child touches is sent home to showcase the “artistic” endeavors they’ve been engaged in during their time at school. I want to say to them, “Save your effort! I send my child to you every day so I can enjoy a few precious hours to myself.” Honestly, as long as they’re not climbing the walls or engaging in chaos, I’m content. And let’s be real; there’s little artistry in most of it. What even is this creation?
Take, for instance, this charming piece titled “Patrick’s Egg Painting.” Is it meant to resemble an egg? Was it painted using an egg? I’m left wondering if there’s any connection to an egg at all.
Then, there are the projects where teachers lend a hand. Look at this masterpiece! It appears my 3-year-old, who struggles to handle scissors, has somehow perfectly cut out stars and taped them on ribbons. The last time he got hold of tape, it took me ages to untangle it from his hair!
And let’s not even discuss the, shall we say, more interesting shapes that end up on the fridge.
I’ve kept a box of keepsakes for each of my kids, just enough to ensure that if A&E comes calling for background shots for my future president—or perhaps a future troublemaker—I can maintain the facade of a doting parent. I do cherish the Christmas ornaments with their little faces and the handprint crafts for Mother’s Day, but the bulk of their creations? Straight to the bin. Little Patrick doesn’t seem to mind. The other day, I held up one of his abstract paint splatters and asked, “What’s this art you made for Mommy?” He looked up from his monster trucks with confusion, shrugged, and returned to his play. So much for sentimental value.
As my daughter Grace grows older, I’ve learned to navigate this situation with a bit more finesse. Her artwork is becoming more recognizable, and while I dutifully praise her efforts, I stash them away until they’re out of sight. Eventually, that cabinet resembles a scene from a hoarding show, and when she’s at school, I clear it out.
A few times, she’s discovered her pieces in the trash and erupted into tears. I’ve had to sit her down and explain, “Sweetheart, you’re a talented artist, but I can’t keep everything. Look through your work and decide which ones truly represent your best. If it’s not your best, it has to go so you can create something new.” After some thought, she usually agrees, tosses the less impressive piece, and moves on. (Victory for Mom!)
To honor her creativity, I’ve created a dedicated art wall to showcase her finest works. We’re currently interpreting “fine” quite loosely with Patrick to keep things light for his future therapist.
Remember, though, as talented as your little artists may seem now, in 15 years, you might find yourself scratching your head, wondering what that piece of art signifies and why it’s still cluttering your home!
For more insights on how to manage kids’ artwork and other parenting tips, check out this post on our blog.
Summary
Managing the endless supply of children’s artwork can be a challenge for any parent. While it’s essential to celebrate creativity, finding a balance between preservation and practicality is key. Setting up a designated space for the best pieces while letting go of the rest ensures that you maintain a clutter-free home without stifling artistic expression.