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Yesterday, my daughter hopped off the school bus, proudly displaying a familiar roll of paper emerging from her backpack. I pulled it out and admired it, exclaiming, “This is amazing! Can you share what inspired you?” She eagerly recounted her thoughts and excitement from the art project before it met the trash can with a satisfying crunch.
Yes, I regularly toss out the majority of my child’s creations. Sometimes, I even use them to fuel our weekend bonfire while roasting s’mores. #meanestmomever? I disagree. In fact, by recycling my child’s artwork, I maintain a clutter-free home and impart essential lessons. Life isn’t merely about accumulating beautiful items; it’s about savoring the journey.
As adults, we appreciate exquisite art displayed in galleries and museums worldwide. These pieces encapsulate moments of the human experience. Why do we enjoy viewing art this way? Because it’s curated. There’s a limited selection that allows us to focus and appreciate.
In homes with children, curating art can be a challenge. We often lack the wall space and patience for the overwhelming number of creations our kids produce. This can leave us feeling buried under a mountain of artwork, unsure of how to handle it.
Does this sound familiar? The art piles up until frustration takes over, and you secretly stash most of it in the garbage, praying your child won’t notice anything is gone.
Fear not! Here’s a simple three-step method to curate a few cherished pieces of your child’s art while confidently discarding the rest — right into the trash.
Acknowledge the Process
When you admire your child’s creations, focus your praise on the journey rather than the final product. Ask questions like, “What made you choose this color? What inspired you? Did you enjoy making this?” By emphasizing the process, you help your children understand that art (and life!) is more about the experience than the outcome.
Set Boundaries
You can and should keep some of your child’s artwork, but with limits. We have designated spaces for short-term and long-term storage in our home. Each piece that enters is celebrated and discussed, but then 90% is sent straight to recycling. The remaining 10% hangs on a string with six clips for current favorites. When those spots are filled, we apply a “one-in-one-out” rule to make way for new creations.
A few special pieces are stored in a single long-term “Art Box.” When this box fills up, we go through it and recycle anything that no longer holds sentimental value. Just because that Thanksgiving placemat seemed special three years ago doesn’t mean it still does today. Our feelings about sentimental items can change over time. If you can’t remember why you saved something three years later, you certainly won’t recall it 30 years down the line. Limiting it to one box compels us to curate.
Demonstrate Letting Go
Our homes are overflowing with possessions. If we secretly dispose of things, we may inadvertently teach our children that letting go is frightening. By showing them that it’s okay to release their art, we help them appreciate the creation process and make room for new experiences.
Let’s treasure the joy their creations brought, then teach them it’s safe to discard to make space for new adventures. It’s perfectly fine to let go; growth happens in the journey, not just the destination. For more insights on home insemination options, check out this link.