In today’s world, thanks to smartphones and social media platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, we’re snapping more pictures than ever before. But when it comes to the cherished photos we save for the future—those “keepers” we intend to share with our kids—how many include us? Let’s be real: how often are we the ones behind the camera, and how frequently do we find ourselves in front of it? Spoiler alert: selfies don’t count!
Recently, a heartfelt message from a Texas-based motivational speaker named Clara Lewis went viral on social media, highlighting this issue. She urged fathers to prioritize taking photos of their wives for the sake of their children. “Dear dads,” she wrote, “take the picture… It doesn’t matter if she’s having a bad hair day or insists she doesn’t want to. Just do it.”
On days when you feel like a million bucks, you’d think your partner would jump at the chance to snap a family photo. But let’s face it, if we don’t explicitly ask, it’s probably not happening. “When she’s no longer with you, those pictures will be all your kids have to remember her by. Messy hair, no makeup, or wearing an old t-shirt? Those things won’t matter to them,” Clara wisely pointed out.
While her message was directed at fathers, it resonates universally. Every family has that one person—often the mom—who takes on the role of the family historian, capturing all the special moments. While our kids will undoubtedly cherish the images of themselves, they’ll also want to remember the faces of the people who loved them.
Clara shared her own experience, stating that after her father’s passing, she found only a handful of photos of him, as he was always behind the camera. If you’ve ever lost a parent, you know the value of having those precious memories. Would you prefer a collection of posed pictures of yourself or just one more shot with the loved one you miss? The choice is clear.
One day, we will all leave this world, and those we leave behind will yearn for photographs to hold onto. They deserve those memories, and we deserve to be part of them—whether we’re dressed to the nines or sporting a messy bun while lounging on the couch. As Clara aptly said, “No one wants to look back on a lifetime of selfies.”
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In summary, it’s crucial for dads (and all partners) to remember the importance of capturing family moments that include everyone, especially their wives. These photos become invaluable treasures for children, helping them remember the love and joy shared in their family life.