Everyday, Lily and Ben come home from school proudly clutching their latest works of art. Some are, indeed, masterpieces. I just adore Lily’s little hearts, flowers and people–they never cease to bring a smile to my face. Ben’s earnest attempt at “writing” his name is precious and I love his explanations of what he’s presenting me with. They really are just adorable and wallpaper our kitchen and family room.
But… there are just so freaking many. We probably acquire fifty pieces per week, per child, a good ten or so just being pages of a crappy coloring book messily filled in. When they bring home their projects, I put their favorites on the fridge and throw the rest on top. Once a month, or so, when the pile gets so large that paper rains down on me every time I get something to drink, I weed through the projects. I keep about twenty percent, dating them and putting them in each child’s art box located in their respective rooms. I file a few of the good ones away to use as homemade birthday cards in a pinch (sorry, dear family, that picture may not have me made specifically for you) and the rest go into the recycling bin. It’s a good system, I think, and had been working quite well.
Until, last week. Last week, instead of putting the projects in paper bags as I usually do, I lazily dumped them all into the bright yellow bin to be picked up early the next morning. When we all walked through the garage, Lily and Ben spotted their works of art along with empty cans and old magazines. Lily gasped and tearfully asked what they were doing there. Taking the easy way out, I incredulously replied, I have no idea!? How strange! We promptly took them back inside, where they again reside on the top of the refrigerator, stinking faintly of garbage.
I think they bought my shock and awe, and don’t think they are permanently scarred. I do, however, need to perfect my process before the next recycling day. They’re on to me.
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I love this post. I’ve been caught many times, and had to learn the SMOOTH way to throw the pics away!!!
Here’s what I do. Its a somewhat lengthy but effective process. First, we have two areas of our home where we rotate the latest artwork for display. Then I photograph or scan all to include a book of their work, I save some originals, AND THE REST I mail to the family! Let them worry about what to do with it…and if they decide to recycle it, well its out of sight!
; 0 )
lol! I should be taking notes right now. Xander already brings a ton of crap home from daycare, and he’s only there a few times a week. And he’s ONE.
You need a shredder! I never get caught that way.
I just read an idea like the one Karin had…photograph them and make a book. I love that idea…The works of Ben and Lily 2008!
I’ve been known to blame it on the little brother before. Ooops.
Yes, I have be caught in the act throwing away some of the older, less “esthetically pleasing” works of art as well. I also had to feign surprise and say “how did those get in there?” Luckily, my husband has a dumpster at work so I end up putting them in a bag and having him take them to work.
The efforts we go to for our kids, eh?
Hmm… I’m SUCH a bad mom, I don’t even have an art box for my Princess. Someday this will come back to haunt me. LOL.
I used to keep every piece of paper they breathed on. That got old fast. Now the girls are 11 and 8, so the big thing is school papers that get sent home. 8 yr old used to freak when she saw her worksheets in the trash. So now I bury the worksheets in the trash. Anything else like a special project that they insist on keeping, I tell them “You need to find a special place for it. If I find it on the floor of your room or the playroom, I will assume it is trash and throw it away.” Works for now.
I think you need to tell them that you are donating them to needy moms around the world whose kids can’t make pictures for them. Get them excited about getting rid of the art.
Ohh I like what the person above me said, that’s clever!
Cute story though. Perfect reaction though!
I’ve been busted many times. I like the suggestion of a shredder.
I’ve been caught many, many times, too. Now I’m a lot more sneaky! I do keep the best ones, though… just can’t keep everything!
I have no idea what to do with all of Hayden’s art either. He has a ton and he is just one. I am in so much trouble when the babies can do art. I am going to have to come up with a plan soon.
I teach school and I’ve been busted throwing “artwork” away. That’s why we send you home loads and loads of pictures! Enjoy!
you will NEVER have enough room for all of their stuff. eventually, they do “projects” for school that they can’t bear to part with. i bought one giant under the bed box for each child and they are allowed to fill it. that’s it. now through college. and it works. i have three of them in the basement and three teenagers who are not scarred by having had art work thrown away. of course, taking pictures of the kids next to their art work (or next to a whole refrigerator full) lets you throw away the “junk”, save the good stuff and save face.
it also works as wrapping paper…and then the recipent can throw it away!
I used to save it all in a file folder until I was overrun with them. He caught me once-’Mommy! What is my picture doing in the trash?’ and I was like ‘Oh, thank goodness you found it, it must’ve fallen in!’
Now I wait about 2 weeks and toss ‘em on trash night after the kids are in bed. I added your button! Love your site!
That’s so funny! I think many mommies have had the same experience. I know we have. I hate it when they bring home something bulky, like something with cotton balls or something on a paper 11×17, etc. I’m like, “Oh shit, now how am I going to save THIS?”
This week my little guy brought home the letter “D” for dirt… It was a big letter D on construction paper made with glue and dirt. His teacher said he LOVED it. It broke my heart – a little – since he loved it so much, but how can you possibly keep such a thing? I have heard of scanning their work so you always have a copy (like someone above mentioned)and then keeping some that are special or meaningful.
I was recently busted almost the same way! You have to BURY the projects in the bin, I have learned!
Oh Lawd, that is too funny. I always. ALWAYS feel so guilty about tossing away my pride & joy's…well, pride & joys. But really, you can't keep them ALL. I know, I've tried. There just isn't room. I keep my very favorites. I keep his school papers until the end of the year and then throw them out that summer, unless there is something really impressive in there.
Next time, place them underneath some newspapers, or something.
Duh. ;)
From someone who has seen those hearts up close and personal, I cannot imagine why you would throw them away. She draws a mean heart.
You guys are awesome.
I love the photobook idea– I’m totally doing that. And the shredder. A match made in heaven!!
Yep… I’ve got the same problem here. As much as I love their artwork, I just can’t keep everything. I have to feign ignorance when the kids ask where their latest masterpiece has gone…
Yep, my kids caught me with their stuff in the recycling bin and now they hide it from me! It’s a bummer.
That’s why I sneak and do these things when they are not home.
My baby is 21. He just moved into his own place- I am going through his mountains of stuff, art, compositions, first attempts at writing , and his DIARY, which is the most hilarious. I can not stop crying….save yourself- take photos and store it on a cd. Wish I had thought of that.
This is a tough one because I have been there. I have also been there when my son explains that his dad never saves his work and always throws it away. I do a few different things to help with this problem (besides telling his dad to at least wait to throw some of it away). I ask my son what I should save. He is 8 now and when he is really proud of something, he will tell me I should save it. Otherwise, he throws it away himself after I have seen it. Something else you can do: Gather all of the art into little sections on the floor or table and take pictures of them. Zoom in to get a good shot. Then, you can toss the items and you will always have a reminder of what they looked like.
I had to laugh at your “I have no idea!” comment. Nice save! I also used to try to “hide” the art in the bottom of the recycling bin — I still do sometimes, but also I’ve had a talk with my kids (ages 5 and 4) that we just can’t keep everything, and some must go.
I let them pick out the ones that we will keep permanently (in their art boxes in their closet), and they also get to pick out two or three to send to each of their grandmothers — I’m not sure what they do with them, but in the kids’ mind, they are being treasured and kept FOREVER, so I’m running with that.
OMG homemade cards from all the ‘artwork’ that my child brings home!!! I am giddy with the excitment that the grandparents will get from this. And I will be rid of it! THANKS!
Oh busted! Happened to me before too. I think he was on to me though.
not that I am EVER one to advise scarymommy, but I recently heard Martha say to scan or photograph them and turn them into an ongoing blurb book. At the end of the year it gets printed and given to the grandparents as a coffee table book. You have the kids “autograph” the front cover.
Yep…it’s tricky business “disposing” of the evidence. You either need to hide it under a bunch of other stuff or wait til they’re outta the house.
P.S. I LOVE NUTELLA!!!
Note to self – HIDE in the trash bin next time !!!
I have been so worried Frannie will find her art in the recycling bin! And I would have the same response you did: I have NO IDEA HOW THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED, oh God of Children’s Art whereso wast thou in mine time of NEED?
haha I’ve had a similar expose experience. Not a good feeling, and yes, I lied my way out of it.
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