Do you love the thought of scrapbooking for kids but don't know how to get started? Many scrapbookers would love to scrapbook with their kids but are not sure what supplies to offer or how to keep things from getting disorganized or too messy. Do you just open your scrapbooking stash to your kids and let them choose what they want to use or should there be rules to scrapbooking for kids? Here are some top tips for scrapbooking with children.

1. Keep scrapbooking for kids fun and relaxed. Let go of the idea that all pages need to be perfect. For children, it's all about the process and working with the materials, not the product or end result.

2. Designate certain materials for your kids to use when scrapbooking. Scrapbook supplies are expensive, and you may have embellishments or paper you purchased just for a specific album, like Disney World stickers for last summer's vacation pictures. Don't just let your children have complete access to your supplies. Assemble the papers and materials you would like them to use, and keep them separate from your supplies.

3. Scrapbooking for children should be age appropriate. This applies specifically to scrapbooking tools. Your child may be old enough to use scissors, but some of the specially-designed cutting systems for scrapbooking can be too dangerous for young children. Look over your tools carefully, and consider whether or not your children are old enough to use these tools according the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully explain the safety precautions. For example, when using an eyelet setter, always use a mat under the paper to protect your work surface.

4. Have photos that interest your children available for scrapbooking. Scrapbooking for kids is more fun when they are working with photos that include them. Does your daughter love stuffed animals? Let her do a whole album with pictures of her stuffed animal collection.

5. Use duplicate photos when scrapbooking for children. Then, let them use the photograph any way they wish. You still have an original for your scrapbooks.

6. Scrapbooking for children should always include journaling. Have your children use their own handwriting. They should sign and date the page as well. The photographs on the page may be from a different time period, but by signing and dating the page you can later see how old they were when they designed the page. You may need to give your children journaling prompts, but for most children, let them express their own thoughts and feelings on the page layout.

7. Keep scrapbooking supplies for children organized. Store supplies for scrapbooking with your kids in separate bins and encourage your children to keep them organized and sorted for their next scrapbook project.

8. Teach your children scrapbooking techniques. Again, consider the ages and artistic abilities of your kids. Simple scrapbooking techniques like paper tearing and matting are easy for most children to learn. Older children might enjoy rubber stamping or embossing on their page layouts.

Scrapbooking for kids is a fun and exciting hobby for families. It's a fantastic opportunity for quality time with your children. Follow these tips and schedule some time for scrapbooking with your kids today.