Marie Kondo vs. Four Sentimental Parents

Tidiness-guru Marie Kondo shares her tips on how to declutter your children's artwork. Photo: Emily Prapuolenis/The Wall Street Journal.



More from the Wall Street Journal:

[urupurup]

I wish they have subtitles instead of voice over.

[maruisaiahnapa]

WSJ forgot to highlight one crucial detail in that last bit: you're not supposed to "throw away" items that don't spark joy to you, but rather give it a proper sendoff by showing gratitude for the lesson or service it has done for your life.

This comes from a core principle in Shintoism, that all living and non-living things in the world possess or house a "kami." Roughly, it can be translated into spirit or god. In Shintoism, kami can be found everywhere, from storms and mountains, to the paper that make up your books, the leather that becomes your wallet, to each individual rice grain that feeds you.

As such, the Japanese view all items around them with a reverence and sense of gratitude. This is the basis for Marie Kondo's philosophy.

[mauistarz]

I recommend taking the picture of your kids with the items then place the photos in an album or flash drive. I do this with my kids a lot. I have 3 of them so it does take up a lot of space expecialy my boys figurines that they build. Works for me lol

[rainsara]

..Meanwhile my parents used my paintings as fuel to the camp fire :, )

[archerjackson]

*Looks at kid's artwork* "Not enough joy." *puts it in the trash* ... oh my god

[felix]

I like the idea that we can take a photo and print them out on a photo book!

[MsAnotherCrazyfan]

Sometimes we need to learn to be comfortable to let go. Especially when we have small spaces. It also teaches the kids how to stop hoarding things or collecting things or become overly attached /sad when things go missing or needs to be thrown or given away.

[t-n-thomestead]

I have a long hallway and I frame their art work so I see it every time and really its the best art work for my home. I keep the best ones with lots of color it sparks my joy

[drewconway]

When you teach your children that EVERYTHING they create is precious, you set them up to be prima donnas.

[carlagarrett]

Let the kids make their own art albums and send them to grandparents when filled bwahaha

[christinaadams]

My house is close to hoarder level cluttetr, but this is something I do. I give myself a shoe box a year. Once it's full that is it. So when my daughter is done with school, I will have 13 shoe boxes. that's not a crazy amount of stuff.