Years ago, I had a particularly bright fifth-grade student named James. He was academically gifted and driven but struggled with creative tasks. Art class was a challenge for him; he’d often shut down as soon as he entered the room. I tried countless methods to spark his interest, yet nothing seemed to work.
Then one day, I noticed something remarkable: James was fully engaged, crafting an impressive piece without the usual constraints. I felt a surge of pride and wanted to share this moment with his family. So, I asked, “Can I take a picture of this?” His face lit up with joy. “Absolutely! I’d love for my mom to see what I’m doing!” I snapped a photo and immediately sent it to his mother.
To my surprise, that simple phrase and the act of capturing his work on camera had a profound effect. From that point on, James thrived in art class, blossoming into one of the most creative students I had ever taught.
Over the years, I incorporated this technique into my classroom routine. When a student chose to stay in during recess to finish an exciting project, I would say, “Can I take a picture of this? Your dad will be so proud!” When another student tidied up his messy desk, I would ask, “Can I take a picture? I can’t wait for your grandma to see this!”
This phrase—“Can I take a picture of this?”—became a powerful tool for motivation. I didn’t use it every day; I reserved it for those moments when I was genuinely impressed by a student’s accomplishment. Each time I did, I noticed their motivation and confidence soared.
Recently, it struck me that I could apply this same technique at home. One day, I walked into my son Ethan’s room and saw him dressed all by himself—a significant achievement since getting dressed was often a struggle between us. He looked adorable, sporting his mismatched socks and shirt. I exclaimed, “Ethan, you look so handsome! Can I take your picture?” His face lit up, and he eagerly agreed. Since that day, he’s been choosing his outfits independently, and I believe the photo was a catalyst for this change.
I decided to try this approach again. Ethan has a passion for animals, and sometimes I wished for a break from his constant animal-themed play. One afternoon, I suggested we build with blocks instead. Initially hesitant, he eventually joined in. While I took a phone call, I glanced over to see him constructing an impressive tower with magnetic blocks, his beloved animals set aside. I rushed over to ask him about it, and as he described his creation, I couldn’t help but interrupt, “Can I take a picture of this?” His excitement was palpable, and he asked if I could send it to his dad. I snapped a photo and sent it off, and since that moment, he’s built a tower every day.
In the busyness of daily life—laundry, meals, and the occasional tantrum—I sometimes forget to express my pride. But the phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has transformed my parenting. It’s a way for me to acknowledge my children’s accomplishments, big and small, and to share these moments with family and friends.
We’ve documented everything: made beds, quiet reading times, sharing toys, and even simple acts of kindness. These snapshots have changed the atmosphere in our home, serving as reminders of pride and growth. Each picture taken boosts my children’s confidence and reinforces their motivation.
As I scroll through my phone’s camera roll, I see a visual timeline of my children’s achievements—little moments that would likely have slipped through the cracks without this new approach. This phrase and my camera have become essential tools in celebrating the everyday milestones that truly matter.
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Summary
Using the phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has become a powerful parenting tool, fostering motivation and confidence in my children through the simple act of capturing their achievements. This method not only allows me to celebrate their successes but also serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing everyday milestones.