School’s Out – and the House is Overflowing

If you have school-aged kids, you are used to the steady influx of paper: permission forms, order forms, art work, etc. I have discovered that kids in grades one and two don’t bring home the art work as often, but they sure bring home a lot of stuff at the end of the year!

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.

Do You Really Care What it’s Worth, or Do You Just Want Someone to Care?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we all value the things we own. We may place a sentimental value on something, or perceive a monetary value.  Be careful with this latter one: if no one is willing to pay, the item ultimately is of no (monetary) value. Worded differently, an item is only worth what it can fetch on the market.

Something else I have learned: even if you paid a great deal of money for something you will let it go if you feel it is going to someone who will value it as you once did. This is a sticking point. You have concluded the item does not serve a purpose in your life; but you will not donate it to a thrift store, or leave it to be recycled; but if you know it will serve a purpose for someone else, you’re happy to let it go. You don’t even want money for it. You just want someone to value what once brought you some degree of satisfaction.

What we really need to be focusing on is how to make discarding our clutter – no disrespect intended; I’m just saying if it’s not adding value to your life, it does slide down the scale of importance – easier. I’m going to let you in on a little secret . . . schools love to receive donations.  And don’t limit your generosity to just schools; there are day care centres and city run programs for children that would likely be happy to repurpose some of your stuff.

I was surprised when I first learned that schools are happy to receive paper, notepads, writing instruments, office supplies, books, small toys, the list is endless. Remember that teachers are tasked, in large part, with outfitting their own classrooms. Gifts from the community can go a long way to furnishing a classroom and allow teachers and administrators to stretch their budgets further. I’ve recently donated a rocking chair that will be used in a kindergarten classroom.  And yes, I’m happy to know it is appreciated and enjoyed.

And don’t underestimate the creativity of those who work with kids. I’ve seen assorted paper plates, gift bows, cupcake liners and fabric swatches transformed into beautiful art projects.

High schools can also benefit from your unneeded treasures.  Have you found multiples of everything in your kitchen drawers at some point? Or maybe you’re downsizing and will no longer have a full kitchen to prepare lavish meals and bake goodies. Give you local high school a call.  If they have a teaching kitchen, they will probably be glad to receive small appliances, cooking utensils and food storage containers.

And last, but not least . . . seniors’ communities! Most, if not all, seniors’ residences have a library.  If you are like so many people that have accumulated books over the years, see if your nearest seniors’ residence would be interested in receiving a donation.

Back to School, Already?

I can’t believe the summer is coming to an end.  I’ve ironed all the uniform shirts we bought eight weeks ago, and am trying to figure out what I will make for my son’s first lunch at school. I’ve checked the bus route and schedule, and looked ahead to the end of the month to see if I will be able to manage after-school responsibilities on my own, or if I’ll have to ask for help. It’s astounding how much planning has to go into the annual ritual of returning to school. 

I’ve even had to decline invitations for visits that are long overdue.  After work and family, there is only so much time left. I hate to say no to the fun stuff, but I’ve learned from experience that filling the calendar isn’t always the best choice for me. I like white space on any page that I’m reading; apparently that extends to my calendar as well. There is no doubt that while I may not have a scheduled task or event, inevitably, the time will be used up.

So, if you find yourself feeling frenzied as the oh-so-familiar responsibilities of the school year consume your time, remember these few tips:

1.       It’s okay to say “no”.  You will feel better if you leave yourself some time to deal with the other things in your life – or just take time for yourself.  

2.       Plan meals ahead of time.  Meal planning is a pain at the best of times.  I absolutely hate it, but I do believe it’s a necessary evil.  I always feel better when the dinner hour approaches and I have a plan of attack.  

3.       If you’re feeling overwhelmed, say so.  You’re not alone. Chances are, someone will be happy to help you out.