I have
never felt compelled to keep everything my son brings home. I just wouldn’t have the space. I apply the keep the best, throw away the rest rule
that I use throughout my home. But the sorting and decision making can be
overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin, or absolutely fall
in love with each of your youngster’s creations. While you try to figure out
what to do with the books and artwork that arrived home at the end of June,
keep these tips in mind.
Quiet
your guilty conscience. Deciding to discard something your child made, doesn’t make you a bad
parent. It means you are making rational decisions about how to use the space
your family shares.
Date it. That finger painting or
notebook won't mean as much if you are not able to identify it on the continuum
of your child’s development.
Scan or
take digital pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a lot of square footage! Technology
can ease the pain of letting go; electronic images of academic work or artwork, allow you to remember the milestones, without taking up space. Don't hide it, display it. Not everything has to be immediately tossed. Display artwork in your home using frames, magnetic strips or even a clipboard installation. These latter two options allow for quick and easy changes, allowing you to enjoy new pieces as they are created. See how to make the gallery clipboard wall here.
Have a designated spot for the things you keep. That’s right, you can keep some pieces. But, be sure to have a system for what you keep. Clear, portfolio folders accommodate different sizes of books and paper, making it easier for you to deal with the randomness of it all. Keep this folder or portfolio in a spot that is easy for you to access, and that can house a growing collection. A kitchen drawer likely won’t fit the bill. And please play it safe; even if you are going to keep a physical piece of work, be sure to take a picture or scan it as well. It’s like insurance against damage or loss.
Use electronic
images to make greeting cards, photo books, etc. It's a great way to showcase
your child's talent and shows how much you value his or her work.
If you have any idea to share about dealing with kids’
paperwork, please comment below. New ideas are always welcome. 
