Updated: June 18, 2014
Originally Published: July 23, 2010
As a parent, my instinct when I see my youngest, Charlie, covering his ears in response to a loud guitar solo is to reach for my camera instead of simply turning down the volume. For over seven years, I’ve honed this habit without a second thought, but now my little one has started to question my choices.
Just the other evening, while Charlie was creating an impressive mess with his dinner—pasta, beans, and strawberries flying everywhere—I instinctively grabbed my camera. I snapped photo after photo, aiming for that perfect shot of food in mid-air, when suddenly, a sensible voice chimed in.
“Uh, Mom? Shouldn’t you be stopping him from tossing food rather than taking pictures?” said my oldest, Lily. Touché.
Thank goodness for Lily, always there to keep me grounded in my parenting duties. It makes me ponder the message I’m sending my kids with my constant photo documentation. Worst-case scenario? They might grow up thinking capturing the perfect moment is more important than actually living it. I still remember the time I forgot my camera at one of Lily’s ballet recitals. I grumbled to myself until she sweetly reminded me, “Mama, just watch me.” And of course, she was right.
So, should I continue playing the dual role of family chronicler and parent? After years of documenting my kids, can I truly embrace the present without fixating on the ideal shot? Am I taking notes for their benefit or my own (does it even matter)? Will all this documentation lead to family therapy bills down the line? And will my children even recognize me without a camera in hand?
These are all significant questions—ones that many parents might wrestle with. Personally, I’m willing to take the chance because I believe my intentions are pure. I’m offering my kids a gift that also fulfills my creative side. I want them to know that their lives, with all their chaos and beauty, are worthy of celebration.
And when they face adult challenges, I hope to share stories that reveal their childhood through my eyes. Perhaps, if we’re fortunate, we’ll look back and chuckle at the wild ride of learning how to be a family.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out our other blog post here. Also, for those seeking expert advice, visit Make a Mom for fertility resources. And if you’re exploring family-building options, Resolve offers fantastic guidance.
Summary:
In this lighthearted reflection on parenting, Jenna shares her experience of capturing family moments through photography while grappling with the balance between documenting and living in the moment. With a nod to the humorous insights of her children, she questions the impact of her habit on their perception of family life, ultimately finding value in the memories created.