One of the hidden but powerful aspects of family photography that parents rarely consider is how it can assist us raise children with stronger confidence in their own worth and abilities.
“It lets children learn who they are and where they fit,” says psychologist and art therapist, Judy Weiser. “They learn their genealogy and the 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.'”
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“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 really 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 that they are loved and cared for,” says licensed psychologist David Krauss.
The importance of printed photographs displayed in your living space was echoed by other experts.
Licensed clinical social worker, Cather Lander-Goldberg says, “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.“
I am a huge supporter of this and actively subscribe to this way of thinking. Each year since 2006, we have taken a family portrait and hung it in our family wall gallery in the heart of our home, our kitchen. Our kids are now huge instigators of ensuring this happens each year, "Mum we need to do our photo, it's November!!" "Where are we doing our photo this year?" etc. Talk about pressure! However, I do believe it is one of the best things I have done for our family (hand on heart), even if last year we absolutely ran out of time and had to do it in our driveway!!!
It says that we love you and care about you. You’re important and you're an important person in our family. What more could we want for our kids than for them to grow up with that sense of place? #justdoit
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