In the realm of parenting, particularly for those who take pride in every doodle their child creates, this narrative may resonate in an unexpected way. If you’re the type of mom who immortalizes each piece of your child’s artwork on social media platforms, I invite you to pause here; the following thoughts might not align with your approach.
One day, my curious four-year-old, Lily, asked, “Where’s the picture I made at school?” Her innocent eyes searched for answers as she wondered about her daily “creation.” My heart raced as I glanced toward the trash can, knowing it concealed remnants of her latest artistic endeavor under a pile of discarded food. The situation felt dire; the opportunity for a last-minute rescue was lost.
In that moment, I contemplated my options. With my partner, Tom, away, I couldn’t conveniently place the blame elsewhere. I had already used my go-to excuse of “How odd, I can’t fathom how that piece made its way into the trash” just the day prior.
How could I respond without shattering her spirit and inadvertently sending her to therapy for years? Call it cruel, but I found myself weary of pretending that every scribble created by my daughter was a masterpiece worthy of admiration. While I fully appreciate her creativity, I must admit that at age four, her art often resembles chaos more than genius.
Reluctantly, I decided to be honest. Taking a deep breath, I finally admitted, “I threw it away.” The words hung in the air as I searched her face for any signs of distress. Would she still love me? Could a mother truly be loved for not cherishing the “art” that consisted of a few blue lines and a vague yellow circle?
To my surprise, she simply stared blankly. I quickly reassured her, “Darling, you create something new every day. I can’t keep all of it. But the really special ones? Those can go on the fridge!”
As an aside, I muttered, “And the rest will just go in the garbage.” Miraculously, Lily’s demeanor brightened, and she eagerly asked, “Can I draw another picture?”
Now, our refrigerator stands as a prestigious gallery for both Lily and her older brother, Max, showcasing only their most cherished works. The rotation of art means that as new creations come in, older ones make their exit. This system has instilled a valuable lesson in my children: not all artwork holds equal value, and my enthusiasm won’t be automatic for every piece they produce. Only the most heartfelt creations earn their place on the fridge.
This approach has not only minimized clutter in our home but has also allowed my children to take pride in their “fridge-worthy” art. No longer do I find myself sifting through the trash, and I can focus on appreciating their genuine creativity.
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In summary, while it’s tempting to treasure every piece of our children’s artwork, a discerning approach helps manage both their expectations and the clutter in our homes. By focusing on what truly matters, we create space for their most significant achievements.