Branson MO Photographer Shares How Family Pictures Can Boost Your Child’s Confidence And Self-Esteem
As a Springfield and Branson MO Photographer I know how important creating memories and documenting your family’s journey is. But did you know family pictures can actually boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem?
Self-esteem is feeling good about who you are and what you can accomplish and recognizing good qualities of your personality and abilities. Kids with high self-esteem might see benefits like more strong values, a sense of purpose, increased resiliency, and better stress management. A Child’s self-esteem is established by age five and develops as they grow.
Taking family photos is one way to increase your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
How can family pictures boost your child’s self-esteem?
Photos are a great way to capture and display memories. Whether you are hanging them on your walls, keeping them on your nightstand, or in photo albums, there are so many places to keep your family photos in front view to smile at each time you pass by.
“We cannot underestimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging. They cement us into our networks. For children, in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process, learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them,” says Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester.
A Place They Belong
A child with high self-esteem knows where they belong. Family photos, seen every day, are a visual representation of where a child belongs.
David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio, says, “I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit. It is helpful for children to see themselves as a valued and important part of that family unit. A photographer’s job is to create and make the image look like safe holding space for kids where they are safe and protected. Kids get it on an elementary level.”
Memories To Cherish
According to Professor George Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester said, “The majority had a favorite photo, and of those, 58 percent said it was taken with family, a partner or another loved one, and 45 percent said it reminded them of a happy time.”
Professor Beattie adds: “It’s very significant that the two reasons people give for loving a particular photograph are that it reminds them of a happy time taken with family. These things are so important to us.”
Creating a family photography session that has positive memories will produce photos of happy memories. It reminds us of good times and motivation to keep moving through trials and hardships. Children can look at pictures and remember positive times and the strong relationship they have to get through hard times.
Appreciate Existing Relationships They Have
Everyone has an off day and challenging times. But as you and your children look at your family portraits, you will be reminded of the positive parts of your relationships and the bond you share.
Richard Mayfield, Director of Photography of Venture New Generation Portraits, says, “Our research shows how important it is to find the time to capture the real essence of a family. In today’s time-pressured world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to spend good quality family time; however, when we look at photographs, we remember how we felt when that picture was taken.”
Piece of History
Photos of you and your children are a physical representation of your family’s story and history. You can look back and compare your family photos to those of your ancestors and see similarities and differences and connect with those from before you.
“[Family photos] let children learn who they are and where they fit in,” says Judy Weiser. a psychologist, art therapist, and author based in Vancouver. “They learn their genealogy and the uniqueness of their own family and its story. When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph, they say to themselves: ‘These people have me as part of what they are. That’s why I belong here. This is where I come from.”
Digital or Print?
More and more families are getting family photos and waiting to print and hang them. They are left on social media or in a file folder on your phone or computer to print at a later date. But does sharing these photos help boost your child’s self-esteem?
“I am very conservative about self-esteem, and I think placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It lets them know where they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for,” says Krauss.
“Displaying photos prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced,“ says Cathy Lander-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker and a professional photographer in St. Louis, Missouri and the director of Photo Explorations, which offers workshops to girls and women using portrait and journaling for self-reflection.
Additionally, Krauss recommends having photographs of that child with their family placed in the child’s bedroom to be among the last things they see before sleep and the first thing they may see before beginning their day.
“It says we love you and care about you. You’re important.”
Taking family photos can offer many long-term benefits for your children, including confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.
Are you looking for a Branson family photographer?
Hey, I’m Jessica, and I would love to be your family photographer! I believe every family session should be relaxed and fun while I capture your family enjoying spending time together. I help with everything from finding the perfect outfits, location, planning, preparation, and more! I even have a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from. For more information, click HERE.
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