Where to Keep My Toddler's Artwork?
The short answer: keep a few favourite pieces, and photograph the rest. I email each photo to my child's very own Gmail address. It takes one minute, it takes up no space, and the memory is saved forever.
In this post, I'll show you how I use that inbox as a memory box for my toddler's artwork. Then I'll walk you through how to create a Gmail account for your child, step by step. It only takes about 15 minutes.
Why I Wanted an Email Address for My Child
My kids are little. They can't read emails yet. So why give them an email address?
Because I wanted one safe place to keep all their memories.
We make a lot of crafts in our house. Paper plates, painted rocks, glued-on everything. I can't keep them all. But I didn't want to lose them either.
So now I send them to my child's email address. I also write down milestones, funny moments and things I think my child will love reading one day. Only the awesome stuff, of course!
One day, my child will open that inbox and find years of memories waiting for them.
How to Turn an Email Into a Memory Box for Toddler Artwork
This is my favourite part. Here's how I use my child's email address.
1. Snap a photo of every craft
When we finish a craft, I take a photo on my phone. Then I email it straight from my own email address to my child's. Done in one minute.
Most of our crafts come from our Little Roots Playroom play guides. Instead of throwing a craft away, I snap it and send it. Now it lives forever.
2. Write about milestones
First words. First steps. The funny thing they said at dinner. I write short notes about the big and little moments.
3. Send birthday messages
Every birthday, I write my child a letter. It's like a time capsule, one year at a time.
4. Invite the grandparents
I gave the email address to the grandparents too. Every now and then, they send a sweet note. One day my child will read those notes in their grandparents' own words.
5. Take the pressure off
I'll be honest. I'm not great at keeping up with things. So I'm not promising to do this forever.
I'm doing it for the years my kids are home with me. That's when we make the most crafts together, and that's the season I want to save.
When they start school, the inbox doesn't have to stop. If I remember to add something along the way, I will. But the pressure to keep it up isn't on my shoulders.
Right now, I send something about once a week, not every day. You don't need to be perfect. A little bit, now and then, still adds up to a lot of memories.
Tip: Put the craft's name or theme in the email subject, like "Rainbow paper plate, age 2". It makes the inbox easy to search later.
My Honest Confession: I Did It the Quick Way
When I first set this up, I didn't use Google's proper child account. I just made a normal email address and linked it to mine, like a second account.
It works. But there is a better way.
Google has a special account just for kids. It's made for children under 13, and it lets a parent stay in charge. If you're starting fresh, this is the way I'd do it now.
What You Need Before You Start
Get these ready first. It makes everything faster.
- Your own Google account. You'll sign in with it to say "yes" as the parent.
- Your child's name and birthday.
- An email name idea. (Tips on that below.)
- About 15 minutes.
- A way to give parent consent. Google may ask you to use a credit card to prove you're an adult. Google says you won't be charged a fee, but a small hold may show on your card for a short time. It usually goes away within 48 hours.
Good to know: Google's child accounts are for kids under 13. The age can be different in some countries. If your child is 13 or older, they can make their own account, and you can add parent controls after.
How to Create a Gmail Account for Your Child (Step by Step)
The easiest way is on a computer or phone browser.
Step 1: Go to the Google sign-up page
Open accounts.google.com/signup.
Step 2: Fill in your child's details
Follow the steps on the screen. Type in your child's name, their birthday and the email address you want for them.
Step 3: Sign in as the parent
Google will ask a parent to say yes. Sign in with your own Google account. Then pick how you want to give consent.
Step 4: Look for the "all done" message
When the account is ready, you'll see a confirmation on the screen. That's it!
Other ways to set it up
You can also create your child's account:
- In the Family Link app. Open the app, tap your child's profile, then tap Add child and follow the steps.
- On a new Android phone or tablet. When it asks you to sign in, tap Create account, then For my child.
- On a new Chromebook. When it asks how to set up, choose For a child.
For every option, check Google's own help page. Screens and buttons can change over time.
How to Pick a Good Email Name
This was the hardest part for me. Lots of simple names are already taken.
Here's what worked: use your child's name plus their birth year. For example, emmasmith2023. It's easy to remember, and it's more likely to be free.
A few more tips:
- Keep it simple. Your child will use it one day.
- Skip silly nicknames. They might not love them at 21!
- Choose carefully. Google says a Gmail address can only be used once. If you delete it, you can't get it back.
Surprise or Not? A Quick Note
I plan to give my child their inbox when they turn 21. It will be a lot to hand over, but it will be a whole inbox of memories.
If you want it to stay a surprise, keep this in mind. A proper child account belongs to your child. Once they're old enough to sign in and use Gmail, they can see what's inside. And when they turn 13 (or the age in your country), they can choose to manage the account themselves.
So think about what you want. A surprise for later, or a memory box that grows with them? Both are lovely.
Quick Questions Parents Ask
Where should I keep my toddler's artwork?
Keep a few favourite pieces, and photograph the rest. Emailing the photos to your child's own inbox keeps them all in one place, with the date saved for you.
How old does my child need to be for a Google account?
Google's child accounts are for kids under 13. The age can be different in some countries. Kids 13 and older can make their own account.
Does it cost money?
No. Google says you won't be charged a fee. If you use a card to give consent, a small temporary hold may show up. It usually goes away within 48 hours.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes, says Google.
Can family members email my child?
Yes. Anyone with the address can send an email to it. Our grandparents love it.
The One Thing to Remember
Don't throw away that craft. Snap a photo and send it. You'll always have that memory right where you want it.
Want more crafts and play ideas to fill that inbox? Take a look at our Little Roots Playroom play guides. They're simple, themed activities for little ones aged 2 to 4.
