Simple Rules For Saving (or NOT SAVING) Schoolwork

What do you get when you take two young children, a bunch of creative teachers, eleven combined years of elementary school, and a sentimental mom who is also a "pack rat"? To put it simply, way too many saved school projects and crafts taking up precious space and causing clutter!!

I faced this dilemma first-hand when it came time for us to pack and move into our first home a month ago. I could not believe the amount of miscellaneous useless stuff of all varieties that we had accumulated over the past few years, but the biggest eye-opener was seeing all the schoolwork that I had saved.

That's when I promised myself that I would change my policies on keeping these adorable creations. Here are my new rules...

• If it's adorable to look at, it gets a week on the bulletin board or the fridge.
• If it's touching to read, it can stay on the coffee table for a week for family and friends to read and enjoy.
• If it was created on the computer, then I don't need to keep a hard copy of it, because it can be re-printed at any time if I really wanted to.
• If my child is really attached to it, they can have it for one week to display in their own rooms.
• If it doesn't qualify for the one-week reprieve, it goes in the garbage can after we admire it together. (If child is younger than 10, this part can & should wait until after bedtime to avoid pleading eyes and tears!)
• When the one-week reprieve is up, I might do any of the following, as long as the item moves on to another location outside my home:

• - Take a digital picture of it to look at for years to come.
• - Take a regular photo and use photos to create a scrapbook of memories of school projects.
• - Send it to a family member who lives far away and would appreciate feeling closer to the kids.
• - Send it a friend or family member who could use a reason to smile.
• - Send it to a military member overseas to show our appreciation.
• - Use as wrapping paper for family gifts, or use the item itself as a gift if it's really nice.
• - Drop it off at a senior citizen home to bring a smile to a resident who may be feeling lonely.

Now I have to find the time to apply the above rules to the boxes of schoolwork that I already have saved, and I have to commit myself to follow through during future backpack-emptying routines. I know that many of you are silently admitting that you have the same problem stashed in the top of a closet, or shoved in a box under a bed. No more excuses - let's get started, moms!

About The Author:

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Valerie Zilinsky is a married mother of two, and co-owner of a variety of
websites, including http://www.RaisingOurKids.com, http://www.Mom2MomList.com,
http://www.PatrioticFreebies.com, and http://www.PatrioticColoringPages.com.

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