I've had a lot of parents recently apologizing for their kids just being normal kids, worrying that we weren't getting photos because their kids were being silly. They were worried I was getting annoyed because of these normal, everyday, kid behaviors. Listen, I get it. I worry when my kid doesn't fit into the box that society deems appropriate, too. We're constantly bombarded with articles and social media posts about how parents shouldn't fly with kids because they cry, how meltdowns in public make you a bad parents, how kids shouldn't go out to eat until they can sit perfectly at the table. Forget about using phones and tablets to keep them entertained. That makes you a bad parent, too.
I'm here to tell you to forget all of that when we work together. I understand that kids are kids with their own emotions and personalities. I've been a mom for 23 years. Both of my kids have ADHD. I have babysat since I was 12, and the three kids I currently babysit are all special needs. I worked in an elementary school. I used to be a preschool photographer. I was sent to most of the special needs schools, because I was really good at that job. I've surrounded myself with friends who have lots of kids.
My point is that I love kids. I love working with them and hanging out with them. I won't say that I've seen it all, because I've seen enough to know that kids are tricky and inventive. There's always something new. So, as long as your kid isn't literally ripping my set apart, you have nothing to apologize for! Even then, as long as you're intervening, we're good. I think we can all agree that kids can be monsters sometimes.
Besides, if you've ever worked with me or looked at my social medias, you'll realize that those less than perfect moments are my favorite. Sure, I do strive to get those perfect looking and smiling photos, but that doesn't mean that I won't be super excited to catch that crazy jump or cross eyed photo. Sometimes I'll even bribe the kids with a silly face photo to get the nice one!
Besides, when you're looking at your family photos 20 years from now, which photo is going to carry more emotion and memories: the perfectly posed and smiling photo or the photo of your child being themselves, making that silly face they used to make all the time?
Parents, let go of that anxiety and let's have fun. We'll get those looking and smiling photos, but we'll also capture a bit of your child's amazing personality in some less than perfect (by society's standard only) photos. Enjoy this collection of less than perfect moments that are absolutely adorable.
