The average child will produce more than 2,000 arts and crafts pieces for their parents

The average child will produce more than 2,000 arts and crafts pieces for their parents – BEFORE they turn 12, according to a study.

Researchers found the nation’s mums and dads face an uphill struggle to find space for the masses of drawings, greeting cards and ceramics produced by their little ones.

The overwhelming majority (79 per cent) will display all of their kid’s masterpieces at one time or another, with the fridge being the most popular place to exhibit them.

Commissioned to launch the BIC KIDS Young Artist Award, the study of 2,000 parents found they’ll typically display their children’s creations for around nine months.

And more often than not, the only reason they are taken down is to make way for new arts and crafts items.

Jo Hollins, head of marketing and category management at BIC UK and Ireland, said: “Creativity is a massive part of a child’s development and as the results show, they are incredibly prolific.

“Of course, making room for every item is no mean feat.”

The research also found three quarters of parents have kept the first arts and crafts item their child ever created for them.

And 70 per cent keep a box of their children’s arts and crafts items which they intend to give to kids when they are older.

But that doesn’t stop proud parents sifting through the box in the meantime – and two thirds admit to feeling happy each time they do so.

Carried out through OnePoll, the BIC KIDS research also found half of mums and dads believe their child has genuine artistic talent.

And six in 10 have struggled to find room to display everything their kids have made for them.

As a result they can’t keep everything – but 37 per cent of their output is kept for posterity.

However 23 per cent scanning or photograph every masterpiece to free-up space in their homes and ensure nothing is lost or forgotten.

Jo Hollins added: “The three most common items children produce for their parents are drawings, paintings and greetings cards.

“And the research shows the huge sentimental value all arts and crafts can have for parents – effectively telling the story of their children through art.”

The BIC KIDS Young Artist Award is open to kids aged five to 11 – for more information click here