We all love taking pictures of our children. It’s our way of preserving the fleeting moments of their childhood – capturing their milestones, their unique quirks and those precious smiles that develop over time. Photographs allow us to hold on to the memories of our youth and cherish every change that comes with growth.
In today’s digital age, our lives – and our memories – often live on our phones and social media platforms. While sharing pictures on Instagram and Facebook offers a convenient glimpse into our family’s growth and adventures, it’s worth considering the impact on our children. Until they reach an age where they can navigate social media for themselves, many of these digital memories will remain unseen by them and, ironically, they may later prefer these images to be removed from the online world.
Which brings us to the importance of printing our photos. As well as adding a warm, lived-in feel to our homes, printed photos give each family member a tangible sense of belonging. Research underlines the profound effect that seeing their photos in the home has on children’s self-esteem and confidence. These pictures quietly reaffirm their importance in the family and their place in the home.
Family photos displayed around the house send a powerful message to our children: they are important, they are part of the family and they belong. This sense of belonging is something we all crave. In addition, regular exposure to personal photographs helps children and adults alike become more comfortable with their self-image, bridging the gap between the reflection in the mirror and the portrayal in the camera.
We encourage you to create wall galleries, innovative photo displays and photo albums. Update these displays and albums regularly to include new memories. Watching your children engage with these images, seeing themselves as a valued part of your home and family life, will foster a growing sense of self-worth and confidence.
Printed photographs are more than just decoration; they are entertainment, heirlooms and powerful tools for raising confident, well-adjusted children. They remind our children of where they belong and contribute to a strong sense of self.
When was the last time you transferred your treasured digital memories into printed photos, albums or wall displays? Maybe now is the perfect time to start.
By Anja Poehlmann, Brighton-based family and small business photographer and filmmaker
SHARE:
