Kids of all ages love to collect things. You never know what will spark a collection but when the inspiration strikes, it can quickly turn into an obsession. Before you are tempted to stop yet another collection, you may want to consider some things.

A collection is important, at least for the moment. Kids have a strong connection to certain collections of things. They can evoke emotion even years later. Encourage your child to collect something that speaks to them. And if you really want to connect with your child, get excited about their collection too. Ask questions, help with research, offer to help. It’s an informal way to connect with your child, especially boys, who can shy away from “sit and talk” conversations. They are also easy choices when Gramma calls to ask what your kid wants for a birthday gift.

What do you do when your child’s collection has outgrown the shoebox? Give up a shelf in your home for more public display. This can validate your child’s passions and let them know you value what’s important to them. You can also clear space in their room for display. If their collection is going to be more long term (or valuable), like baseball cards or stamps, it pays to learn how to best store and display a collection like that.

Collections for younger kids can be a no-brainer for school activities. Counting, sorting, categorizing, maintaining and pricing can all be sneaky ways your kids can learn without it seeming like another school lesson. You can have them write about their collections, learn where their collections are produced or used, do art projects about them and older kids can do research papers on themes and objects. Teach them to save their money to add to their collection or to buy a container for it. Use collections as object lessons. And who knows but that their interest will turn into a lifelong passion or even a career.

When the excitement has passed and they have moved on to the next collection, don’t just toss it. Make a memory of it. Take photos and/or video of them with their possessions. Have them write how they feel about it. If you can, store away their favorite few items from the collection and start a new collection of all their collections. They will thank you when  they are grown and can look back on a box full of wonderful memories.