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Yesterday, my child bounded off the school bus, a familiar scroll of paper peeking out from their backpack. I eagerly pulled it out, exclaiming, “Wow, this painting is amazing! What inspired you?” My little one eagerly shared their thoughts and excitement about the second-grade project before I tossed it into the trash with a satisfying crunch.
Yes, I do throw away a significant portion of my child’s creations. Sometimes, I even use them to stoke the bonfire during our weekend s’mores gatherings. #meanestmom? I disagree. By recycling their artwork, I’m not only managing clutter but also imparting essential lessons about life. It’s not merely about accumulating beautiful things; it’s about cherishing the journey.
As adults, we appreciate stunning artworks displayed in galleries and museums, each telling a story of the human experience. This enjoyment stems from curation—an intentional selection that highlights what we truly value. In our homes, however, it can be challenging to curate our children’s prolific artistic output. Few of us have the wall space or patience for the numerous treasures our children create to express themselves, leading to overwhelming piles of artwork.
Sound familiar? The stacks of art build up until frustration boils over, and we secretly cram the bulk of it into the trash, hoping our kids won’t notice the missing pieces. But you don’t need to worry. Here’s a three-step method to help you choose a few favorite pieces to keep while confidently discarding the rest.
1. Value the Process
When admiring your child’s art, ask questions that focus on the journey rather than the end product. “What made you choose this color? What inspired you? Did you enjoy making it?” This approach teaches children that art (and life) is more about the experience than the outcome.
2. Create Designated Spaces
You can absolutely save some of your children’s artwork, but it’s essential to set limits. In our home, we have defined areas for short-term and long-term storage. Each piece is celebrated and discussed, but 90% goes straight into recycling. The remaining 10% is displayed on a string with six clips for current favorites. Once those clips fill up, we implement a “one-in-one-out” policy for new art. Some cherished pieces find their way into our “Art Box.” Once it fills up, we review and recycle pieces that no longer hold sentimental value. Just because a Thanksgiving placemat felt special three years ago doesn’t mean it still does. Our feelings about sentimental items can change over time.
3. Model Letting Go
Our lives are often cluttered with unnecessary items. Disposing of things in secret may teach our children that letting go is frightening. By confidently releasing artwork, we demonstrate the importance of appreciating the creative process and making room for new experiences. When it comes to your child’s creations, let’s celebrate the joy they felt while making them, and show that it’s perfectly fine to discard them to make space for new adventures. Growth occurs in the process, not the result.
For more insights on parenting and life lessons, consider checking out this other blog post.
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Summary
It’s okay to let go of your child’s artwork. By focusing on the creative process, designating storage spaces, and modeling the act of letting go, you can teach valuable lessons about appreciating experiences over possessions. Embrace the joy your child finds in creation, while also making room for new experiences.
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