Yesterday, my son bounded off the school bus with a familiar roll of paper peeking out from his backpack. I pulled it out and exclaimed, “Wow, this painting is fantastic! What can you tell me about it?” He eagerly shared his thoughts and excitement about his second-grade art project—before it went straight into the trash can with a satisfying crunch.
That’s right. I openly dispose of most of my child’s creations. Sometimes, I even use them as kindling for our weekend bonfire while making s’mores. Am I the worst mom ever? Not at all. By recycling my child’s artwork, I’m not only keeping my home clutter-free, but I’m also imparting an essential lesson: life is about cherishing the experiences rather than hoarding beautiful objects.
As adults, we appreciate the stunning pieces displayed in galleries, each representing a moment in the human experience. The reason we enjoy these pieces is that they are curated; only a select few catch our attention. However, in homes filled with children, curating art becomes a challenge. The sheer volume of artwork can be overwhelming, leaving us unsure of how to handle it.
Sound familiar? The piles of art build up until frustration takes over, and we hastily toss most of it into the trash, hoping our kids won’t notice. I’m here to reassure you that you don’t have to feel guilty. Here’s a three-step method to help you curate your child’s favorite pieces while confidently discarding the rest.
1. Value the Process
When admiring your child’s artwork, focus your questions and praise on the creative process rather than the end result. Ask things like, “What inspired your choice of color? Did you enjoy making this?” By emphasizing the journey, we teach our children that art—and life—is about the experiences we create, not just the final product.
2. Set Boundaries
It’s perfectly acceptable to keep some artwork, but it should be limited. In our home, we have designated areas for short-term and long-term storage. Each new piece of art is discussed and appreciated, but about 90% goes straight to recycling. The remaining 10% is displayed on a string with clips for current favorites. Once those spots are full, we implement a “one-in-one-out” policy for introducing new works.
A few cherished pieces go into our “Art Box,” a single container for long-term storage. When it fills up, we sift through and recycle items that no longer hold sentimental value. Just because a Thanksgiving placemat felt special three years ago doesn’t mean it still does. Our emotional attachment to items can shift over time.
3. Model the Art of Letting Go
Our homes are cluttered with belongings. Discreetly tossing things away might teach our children that letting go is frightening. By demonstrating that we can confidently release artwork, we show them that it’s fine to appreciate the creative process and make room for new experiences. Let’s celebrate the joy of creation and teach them that it’s okay to discard things to make space for growth.
In the end, it’s about enjoying the journey, not just the outcome.
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In summary, letting go of our children’s artwork can be a beneficial practice that teaches them about the value of experiences over possessions. By curating their creations, we not only declutter our homes but also instill important life lessons.