The Nostalgia Hiding in My Utensil Drawer

In the middle of a back-to-school clean-out, my kids showed me that the objects we overlook can be the ones that keep us most connected.

Back-to-school season always brings out my inner organizer. I do a purge of closets, cabinets, and drawers—it just feels right to start fresh, ready, and reset. This week, while tackling the kitchen utensils, I pulled out a Spider-Man spoon and a Minions fork buried among the “grown-up” silverware.

Without thinking, I held them up and said to my boys, who were eating cereal at the counter, “Oh, I can donate these, right?”

You’d think I had just suggested tossing their baby pictures into the trash. They both audibly gasped:
“Mom, you can’t get rid of those!”
“Those are a classic.”
“We have to keep them…6-7.” (IYKYK)

And in that moment, my heart melted. My middle schoolers—these almost-taller-than-me, starting-to-get-man-smelly, snack-devouring young men—were still deeply connected to those silly little forks and spoons of their early years. The nostalgia was instant and fierce.

It reminded me that kids crave connection to their past, too. Just like we get misty over photo albums or old concert tees, they hold tight to the small, everyday objects that anchor their memories. Those utensils weren’t just tools—they were time machines back to a simpler season of life. And honestly? I’m grateful they want to hang onto them. Because it’s a reminder for me, too, that growing up doesn’t mean letting go of joy.

⚡ Charge of the Week: Don’t rush to declutter every childhood relic. Keep one or two silly, sentimental items in rotation—it might mean more than you realize to the little (and not-so-little) people in your home.

🧠 Science Spark: Psychologists say nostalgia boosts mood and resilience. Research shows that when kids revisit positive memories, it strengthens identity and increases feelings of belonging. Those forks and spoons? Built-in resilience tools.

❓ Question for You: What quirky little object in your house sparks the strongest childhood memory—for you or your kids?

Until next Monday at 8:37AM, keep charging. Keep choosing. Keep YAYing.
💛 Meaghan