Scrapping with Your Child

Scrapbooking is a way of preserving memories for future generations in our family. What could be more natural than making memories with your child while also scrapbooking? Inherently, scrapbooking involves all the components that kids love: colorful papers, gel markers, stickers and sparkly glitter.  Here are some tips that can help you create a fun scrapbooking experience for both you and your child.

Set boundaries up front. In the initial stages of introducing scrapbooking to your child, make it clear which supplies are ok to touch and which ones are off-limits. 

Set aside some space for your child. Devote a corner of your scrap table to your child. He will be so proud to be scrapping right alongside you.

Purchase separate supplies for your child. Along with your child make a list of the tools needed for scrapbooking. Then take your child to the store and pick out the items together. This will instill a sense of ownership and pride in your child because he will be using his own tools to scrap.

Use a tote. Have your child keep all his tools in a tote that could be stored under the table or in a closet. Use a sectional tote. Place scissors in one section, adhesives in another and so on. This will also aid in the clean-up process because your child will know that each tool has a place in the tote. 

Set a good example. At the end of your scrapping time each day, tidy up your scrapbooking area. Your child will follow your lead and that will create a more pleasant space to scrapbooking in the following day.

Keep a scrap box for your child. Into it toss all the extra papers and stickers that you will not use for your own pages.