Once I saw them ripping it into little pieces, I wanted to get so UPSET, but instead I told them they couldn't stop yet, that they needed to tear it into really tiny pieces. I encouraged it, and then when it really started getting out of hand I put the MAMA foot down and they cleaned up every little piece of paper.
I don't know why when my kids are asked to put unwanted newspaper/ads in the recycle can, that they think it's automatic permission to rip it all to shreds.
But I did great, didn't get upset, and let them create some fun memories.
