Infernal Artwork

What to Do with the Piles of Precious Creations

Some things are worth saving, of course -- worth preserving in a time-capsule that your kids can reminisce over when they're grown. But what to keep?

Most parents agree: 3-D projects have to go. Take a picture, if you must, but kick that diorama to the curb and quick, or you'll be buried by Junior's seventh birthday. Anything made of feathers or food must go, too. Let the kids help sort the "keepers" from the recycle-bin-bound.

"It's important that children learn to let go and organize important possessions," said New York City mother-of-three Sara Lise Raff. "Forming emotional attachments to inanimate objects may lead to a guest appearance on Oprah's 'Life as a Hoarder' episode."

When it comes to whittling the heap, moms say time is on our side. Hide artwork in a folder for a month and then go through it with your kids; you'll find the Crayola creation they cherished in October may have lost its appeal by November.

Beware, though. Clever kids can anticipate -- and thwart -- the purging session. "My daughter has gotten clever and now writes 'To Dad' on things so I won't throw them away," lamented Californian Marty Guise.

<< Back

1 • 2 • 3

Next >>