Last night, I stumbled upon a thought-provoking blog post by Mia Johnson titled “The Mom Stays in the Picture.” In her writing, Mia expresses her reluctance to appear in photographs, reflecting on the importance of being present in her children’s lives. She states, “I’m a constant presence in their early years, yet my own image is rarely captured. One day, I won’t be here — and I want them to have memories of me. I want them to see my love for them, even if I don’t fit the conventional idea of perfection.”
This sentiment resonated deeply with me, as I faced a similar realization some time ago. Friends and family members adorned our photo albums, but I was conspicuously absent. I avoided the camera, feeling self-conscious about my arms, belly, and those pesky gray strands. It was as if I had never participated in the cherished moments of birthdays, holidays, and school events.
However, I’m pleased to share that I’ve made a significant effort to step into the limelight and join my children in photographs — and it has truly transformed our memories. Believe it or not, I now have framed photos of myself with my kids scattered throughout our home!
Overcoming Insecurities
So, how did I overcome my insecurities? Did I suddenly fall in love with my appearance? Did I wake up with newfound confidence? Not quite. I discovered a little trick called “grab a kid,” and it might just change your perspective, too.
Gone are the days when I took pictures standing alongside my kids. Instead, I wrap them in a warm hug for the camera, which not only captures the depth of my love but also magically smooths out my figure, shedding what feels like an instant 15 pounds! If you’re worried about your hips, balance a child on one; if your tummy bothers you, let them sit on your lap; and if you want to conceal that double chin, lean in cheek to cheek while gazing upwards at the camera. Want to hide it all? Just give them a huge bear hug and highlight your face.
This technique works wonders. For instance, take a look at this photo of Emma and me from our recent trip to Seattle. We look genuinely happy, and while we were, my smile also stemmed from knowing she was covering all my insecurities. What’s not to love about that?
Capture the Moments
So, don’t hesitate to jump into those pictures with your kids. You’ll appreciate it now, and in the years to come, they will too. And if you’re not quite ready to confront your flaws, just grab a kid, hold them close, and say cheese!
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In Summary
Embracing the moments with your children by capturing them in photographs can be liberating. By using the “grab a kid” technique, you can create lasting memories that celebrate the love between you and your children, all while feeling a little more confident in your own skin.