Back to School Photos: Why we dread them and how do we conquer them?

3 Reasons why we love Picture Day:

Memories

Essentially, back to school photos are a physical timeline of our child’s life. It’s safe to say that there is nothing more heart-warming in this world, than looking at a picture that brings you back to little Jimmy’s second grade picture ten years later. Eventually, these photos will also hold a special place in their own hearts as time will soon catch up to them….(one of these days).

Proud Parent Moments

Back to school photos gives you the perfect opportunity to brag (I mean share) with your closest friends and family a photo of your child/and or children.

Who has time for professional photos?

Candid pictures are great on days like birthdays, Halloween, and/or Christmas, but there’s something about having a nice printed, professional, photograph to frame in your hallway. It’s also hard to find time if you are busy with work and extracurricular activities to take professional photos. It’s one less thing you need to worry about and it is well worth it!

Why we dread them:

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I wanted to do on picture day was smile. It was a day that categorized you as one of two things: photogenic or not. Fortunately for me there were “retakes”, but even on that day it made you feel ten times more pressured and insecure.

So, how do we conquer Picture Day?

Believe it or not this day is just as important to them as it is to you even if they don’t show it.

Tip #1: Tip: Don’t make picture day a bigger deal than it has to be.

You love your kid because they are unique, beautiful, and make you smile even on days you want to give them away, so do not make them feel more anxious than they need to be about taking a picture.

Tip #2: Make your kid believe they have complete control over picking out the perfect outfit.

Show your child a picture of themselves a year ago. Sounds crazy -I know, but it’s a great way to remind them of how much they’ve grown. This also can give you a chance to discuss the not so great decisions from the previous year. You could start with the question, “Did you like that you had your hair up in a pony-tail or do you want to try wearing your hair down this year?” or “How about we try something new this year?” In thirty years, when they look back at their school photos, you are not to blame for any “embarrassing “outfits. Think of it this way, they will be liable in thirty years to explain what they were thinking- not you. The last thing mother’s want to hear is the beginning of why you made them do something when in most cases children have a very selective memory.

Tip #3: The word compromise is your best friend

If your child hates wearing dresses, don’t make her wear a dress. Tell them the definition of compromise (seriously). It’s a win-win or you could simply bribe them with saying: “How about we go to your room and pick out three things you’d like to wear tomorrow, and we can discuss a winner over ice cream?” (Victory is then just around the corner)

Do you finally feel prepared for your child’s Picture Day?

I hope your picture day runs as smoothly as mine!

One last thing: Don’t forget to tell them to smile and say cheese :)