I documented them with my camera. Through the preschool years, I took pictures of my favorite paintings and projects, then made a simple Art Book with my digital photos. I used the "auto-fill" feature on my iPhoto computer program. I felt good letting go of those early pieces that were near and dear to my heart, yet difficult to store. For the 3-D glue projects, I photographed my daughter holding the piece the week she had brought it home. The pride and glint in the eye is precious. The grandmothers received copies as Mother's Day gifts that year.

Joanna - Thank you for reading and commenting! I love the idea of taking photographs of art projects - especially with your daughter proudly holding them. What a special Mother's Day gift for the grandparents. I scrapbook a lot, so the idea of turning these photos into a book sounds perfect for our family. Thanks again for sharing.

This is an ongoing struggle for me as well! My adult children's rooms are still shrines to their childhoods packed with photos, trophies, artwork, certificates, and other treasures from their youth. The photographing idea helps a lot. I also try to remember something an elementary school art teacher told me when I was lamenting my inability to discard my kids' work, but overwhelmed by the quantity we'd accumulated. She reminded me that it is the process, not the product, that is important. The experience of creating the artwork is a part of the child and will be with them forever. Treasure the child and you are treasuring the artwork. Somehow that made it easier for me to part with some of it.

It is hard. Photography does make it easier, but there are times that you will make mistakes. Asking the child doesn't help because they have no idea what you are talking about.

Keeping boxes of stuff can help. Some of it can be a "time capsule" to open in say 5 years. Some of it can be kept for you to keep more than the child to keep. Some of it can be kept for use when younger children visit (or grandchildren in time).

But, from my perspective, it is the first 10 years that you have the trouble with. After than the kids seem to manage to do it themselves - although always go through what they want to recycle or donate. But once they reach the age of 10 it is usually smaller items or just easy to store items rather than elaborate art projects that you will want to keep.

Sally Torbey - Thanks for reading and commenting. What a fantastic message from your children's art teacher. I'll keep that in mind for when the art projects start rolling in.

Mother of 4 - Thanks for reading and commenting. A time capsule is an excellent idea. What a great way to reminisce and see how much the child has grown in 5 short years.

Such a great topic worthy of exploration. We've tried to have our oldest go through "special items" that have accumulated in her room each school year to select what she wants to hold on to, but to echo Sally, the struggle continues in our home too!

Thanks for reading and commenting Jessica T. At what age did you start involving your daughter in the process? It's probably not easy for most parents or children to part with this accumulation of sentimental stuff.