Preserving precious memories with your child

Be snap-happy
A traditional family photo-album is a classic method of preserving special memories and has been tried and tested for generations. Living in the digital age where so much of our information exists in cyberspace or on memory cards it is lovely to have a tangible book full of memories to keep forever (and whip out for an embarrassing display when they reach their teenage years)
So much can change from day to day in these crucial years you may feel like you want to record every little moment. With digital photography you can carefully select which images are worth printing and then store thousands of others on your computer’s hard drive, USB sticks or discs. Take a look at Photobox or Boots online who can create photobooks, calendars and digital photo frames from your uploaded pictures, ensuring you can hold on to your child’s special moments in a modern and unique way.

Create a scrapbook
Creating a scrapbook of your child’s development is an excellent way of preserving precious memories as you can include anything you and your child would like to remember. Where a photo album only shows you the images, a scrapbook can really tell the full story and bring back all of those elusive memories in later years.
As well as photographs your book could contain ticket stubs, drawings, hair ribbons, sweet wrappers and anything else which will add to the mood of the page.Write notes which describe you and your child's feelings, thoughts and dreams and allow her to choose which items she wants to be included. Working with your child to create a scrapbook can be a fun, rewarding experience and will give you both not only a fun project at the present, but something shared to look back on in the future. 

Make a memory box
Sometimes a scrapbook is simply not enough to contain all of your cherished memories, so why not go one step further and create a memory box?  There are many specialist websites which sell keepsake boxes for you and your child to fill; try  Freya Design or Oh So Cherished for some beautiful examples. For a more personal touch take an old shoebox and customise it together with your child to create something personalised and unique. What goes inside the memory box is up to you – photographs, handprints, stories, little shoes or hats all make great keepsakes as do favourite toys if she can bear to let them go! Discussing with your child what should go in the box is also a great way of helping them to learn about themselves, their priorities and their place in your family. 

Build a virtual story
Capable of storing limitless amounts of information and simple for your friends and family to see, the internet is a nifty modern way to keep and share your child’s memories. Websites such as Moment Garden and Smilebox offer free online scrapbooking services where users can upload photos, add comments and music, create slideshows and timelines of your child’s development. It is even possible to create a scrapbook community which selected people can contribute to; meaning your family and friends can join in the experience and share their memories.
As your little one grows up she will be able to start adding her own memories and ideas, creating an ever-evolving interactive story which you can continue to enjoy for many years in the future.