It’s not simply about reducing clutter—there’s a valuable lesson involved.
By Mia Anderson
My child bounded off the school bus yesterday, a roll of paper peeking from their backpack. I eagerly pulled it out and exclaimed, “What a fantastic painting! Can you share what inspired you?” They quickly excitedly explained their thoughts and feelings about the second-grade art project before it met its fate in the trash can with a crunch.
That’s right. I don’t hesitate to toss most of my child’s creations. Sometimes, I even use them as kindling for our weekend bonfire during s’mores night. #worstparentever? I disagree. In fact, by recycling my child’s artwork, I’m managing clutter in our home and imparting some essential lessons. Life isn’t about hoarding beautiful objects; it’s about enjoying the experiences along the way.
As adults, we appreciate exquisite art displayed in galleries and museums around the globe. These pieces often encapsulate a moment in the human experience—do you know why we find joy in viewing art this way? Because it’s curated. We focus on a select few pieces that are easy to appreciate and enjoy.
In homes filled with children, however, curating art can be a challenge. We often lack the wall space or patience to organize the abundance of cherished creations that narrate our children’s lives. This can lead to overwhelming piles of art and uncertainty about how to handle them.
Sound familiar? The art piles grow until frustration hits, and you find yourself stuffing most of it into the trash while hoping your kids remain oblivious.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fear throwing things away. Here’s a simple three-step method to curate a few of your child’s favorite pieces while confidently discarding the rest—right into the trash.
1. Value the Process
When you admire your child’s artwork, focus your questions and compliments on their creative process rather than just the end result. “What made you choose this color? What inspired you? Did you enjoy making it?” By emphasizing the journey of creation, we help our kids understand that art (and life) is more about the experience than the finished product.
2. Establish Boundaries
While you can and should keep some of your children’s artwork, do so with limits. We maintain designated spaces for both short- and long-term storage in our home. Each piece that comes in is celebrated and discussed. However, approximately 90% goes directly into recycling, while the remaining 10% finds its way onto a string with clips for current favorites. When those spots are filled, we adhere to a “one-in-one-out” policy for new entries. A few beloved pieces are stored in a single box, our “Art Box.” As it fills up, we review and recycle anything that no longer holds sentimental value. Just because a Thanksgiving placemat felt special three years ago doesn’t mean it still does. Our feelings toward sentimental items evolve over time.
3. Model Letting Go
Our lives and homes can easily overflow with belongings. Discreetly tossing things can inadvertently teach our kids that letting go is scary. By demonstrating that we can confidently release artwork, we show them that it’s okay to appreciate the creative process and make room for new experiences.
Let’s celebrate the joy our children experienced in creating their art, then teach them that it’s safe to let go to make space for fresh adventures. It’s perfectly fine to discard things; growth occurs in the process, not in the product.
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Summary:
In this article, Mia Anderson discusses the process of decluttering children’s artwork while teaching valuable life lessons. By focusing on the creative journey rather than the final product, establishing boundaries for storage, and modeling the act of letting go, parents can maintain a manageable collection of their kids’ art and foster an understanding of the importance of experiences over possessions.
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