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Parenting
The Never-Ending Saga of Kids’ Artwork
By Jamie Thompson
Updated: May 12, 2015
Originally Published: April 18, 2010
Today, as I strolled to my 3-year-old’s preschool, I was cheerfully led to a cubby bursting with my child’s artistic creations. I managed to suppress an eye roll as the teacher beamed at the collection of crayon scribbles and dried paint. I greeted her with a polite smile, hoping it masked my true feelings, and took the colorful pile to my car. Once home, I unceremoniously tossed the entire stack into the trash.
Am I a terrible mom? Not at all—just practical.
It seems like every single piece of paper my child touches with a crayon ends up in my hands, as if it’s a masterpiece. I want to tell the teachers, “Save yourself the trouble! I send my little one to you so I can enjoy three precious hours of peace and quiet.” I really couldn’t care less if they’re creating art or engaging in a playground brawl, as long as I can hit the gym and finish errands without distractions. And let’s be honest, the so-called “artistry” often leaves much to be desired. What even is this?
Take a look at this piece titled “Patrick’s Egg Painting.” Is it meant to represent an egg? Was it crafted with an egg? Is there any connection to eggs whatsoever?
And then there are those projects where teachers lend a hand. Look at this piece where my 3-year-old—who can barely hold scissors—has supposedly cut out these stars and taped them on. The last time he got his hands on tape, it took me forever to untangle it from his hair!
And let’s not even get started on the questionable shapes that end up displayed on our fridge. Do we really need a rocket ship that looks suspiciously like something else?
I’ve kept a small box of their artwork for each of my kids, just enough to prove to A&E that I’m a devoted mom if they ever need footage for a biopic about my future genius—or potential troublemaker. I do cherish the holiday ornaments with their little faces and the handprint art for Mother’s Day, but everything else? Straight to the trash. My little artist, Patrick, couldn’t care less. When I recently held up one of his paint smears and asked him what it was, he simply shrugged and went back to crashing his monster trucks together. So, clearly, that one isn’t worth saving.
Now that my daughter Grace is older, I have to tread more carefully. Thankfully, her recent creations are much more recognizable. I give her the appropriate praise and then tuck them away in a cabinet until they’re forgotten. Eventually, that cabinet starts resembling an episode of Hoarders, and I discreetly dispose of everything while she’s at school.
A few times, she’s discovered her art in the trash and thrown a fit. I’ve had to gently explain, “Sweetheart, you’re an amazing artist, but I can’t keep everything you create. Look at your work and see if it’s truly your best. If it is, I’ll display it; if not, it has to go so you can make room for new creations.” After some contemplation, she usually agrees that it’s not her best work and happily tosses it.
To show her I value her finest pieces, I’ve dedicated a wall to showcase their “fabulous” artwork. We’re using the term “fabulous” loosely when it comes to Patrick’s contributions, just to keep his future therapist’s workload manageable.
So, fellow parents, remember this: as brilliant as your little Picassos may seem now, in 15 years, you’ll be wondering what on earth that creation was, and why it’s still cluttering your space! For more insights on navigating the world of kids’ creativity, you might find this article on home insemination kit interesting. And if you’re looking to boost your chances of conception, check out Make A Mom’s fertility supplements. Also, for a deeper dive into fertility topics, Medical News Today provides excellent resources.
Summary:
This article humorously explores the struggle of managing endless artwork from children, highlighting the challenges of preserving meaningful pieces while discarding the rest. It reflects on the balance between encouraging creativity and maintaining a clutter-free home.