I recall a particular fifth-grade student named Ethan, who was exceptionally bright and academically inclined yet struggled with tasks requiring creativity. Whenever he entered art class, he seemed to shut down. Despite my best efforts to engage him, nothing seemed to capture his interest—until one day, everything changed.
While observing the art room, I noticed Ethan was deeply focused, breaking out of his comfort zone and expressing himself creatively. I was thrilled with his progress and wanted to share this moment with his family. I approached him and asked, “Can I take a picture of this?” His face lit up with joy. “I’d love to send a picture to your mom!” I continued, capturing his artwork and emailing it to his mother, all while he beamed with pride.
I hadn’t anticipated that this small gesture would have such a profound effect. Following that moment, Ethan consistently produced outstanding work in art class and transformed into one of the most dedicated and creative students I had the pleasure of teaching. I began to use this technique regularly in my classroom.
When a student chose to stay in during recess to wrap up an exciting school project, I would ask, “Can I take a picture of this? Your dad will be amazed at how dedicated you are!” Or I would say, “Can I take a picture of this?” when I witnessed one of my typically disorganized students organizing his desk. “I want your grandma to see how tidy your desk looks now!”
This phrase, “Can I take a picture of this?” unexpectedly became one of my most effective tools. I didn’t employ it daily but reserved it for moments when I was genuinely proud of a student’s achievement. When I did use it, the impact was significant. Students showed increased motivation and confidence in their abilities.
It wasn’t until a few months ago that I realized I could apply this concept to parenting. I walked into my son Jake’s room to find him dressed independently—a significant milestone, considering that getting dressed had become a daily struggle. He looked adorable in his mismatched outfit, and I felt a swell of pride. Without thinking, I exclaimed, “Oh sweetie, you look so handsome! Can I take your picture?” He grinned, fixed his shirt, and agreed. I snapped a photo, and since that day, he has dressed himself almost every morning.
I believe the simple act of taking his picture was enough to motivate him to change his behavior, much like it had for my students years earlier. I decided to test this approach again. Jake has a fascination with animals, often pretending to be them and reading about them. Yet, I wanted to introduce some variety into his playtime. One day, I suggested we build with blocks, and although he was hesitant, he eventually participated.
While I answered a quick phone call, Jake continued to build. When I returned to him, I was astonished to see an impressive tower constructed from magnetic blocks. I rushed over, eager to hear about his creation. He animatedly described his structure, and in that moment, I couldn’t help but ask, “Can I take a picture of this?” He lit up with excitement. “Can I send it to Daddy? I can’t believe I made this all by myself!” After taking the picture and sharing it with his dad, Jake has built towers consistently ever since.
Every day, I am in awe of who my children are becoming. Yet, amidst the daily chaos—laundry, dishes, school runs, and the various challenges of parenting—I sometimes forget to express just how proud I am of them. The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has revolutionized my approach to parenting.
This simple phrase, along with the act of capturing a moment, motivates my children. When I experience something I’m proud of, I share it with friends and family, so why wouldn’t my kids want the same? I now take pictures of their achievements, whether monumental or incremental, allowing them to share their successes with others.
We’ve documented everything from neatly made beds and quiet reading moments to helpful acts and creatively crafted artwork. I share these images with family and hang them up around the house, discussing them for days.
These captured moments have positively influenced the atmosphere in our home. The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” serves as a reminder to acknowledge my children’s accomplishments, reinforcing their growth and learning. Each photo taken provides a boost of confidence, motivation, and joy.
Looking back through my phone’s camera roll, I see a timeline of their progress—moments that might have been overlooked but are now celebrated because of this new practice.
In conclusion, embracing the phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has not only enhanced my parenting but has also created a positive environment for my children’s development.
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