Updated: Jan. 5, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 8, 2015
I adore my kids, but when it comes to school picture day, they seem to have a knack for turning the experience into a comedy of errors. Take, for instance, my son’s bizarre first-grade smile—halfway between a grin and a sinister glare, as if he was thinking about munching on someone’s lunch. When those pictures arrived, I half-expected a call from the photographer’s therapist!
Here’s a lighthearted look at how your children might, without fail, derail school picture day:
- Chocolate Milk Bath: At lunchtime, they might decide that bathing in chocolate milk is the new trend. I still remember the time my mom dressed me in a pristine white sweater—an outfit that met its end in a chocolate disaster.
- Face Freeze: Suddenly, your child forgets how to smile. Instead of showing off their pearly whites, they may look like they’re contemplating the meaning of life—or worse, in actual pain!
- Tears of Terror: The pressure of picture day might just be too much. If one child starts to cry, it’s a chain reaction that could turn the waiting area into a mini waterfall of tears. And honestly, being a school photographer? No thanks!
- Hair Disaster: Letting the photographer style their hair is just asking for trouble. My son’s hairstyle tends to resemble Lloyd from “Dumb and Dumber” if anyone else attempts to touch his bangs.
- Defiance Mode: Watch out for the 3-year-old who decides that smiling is overrated. “You can’t make me!” they might declare, ensuring that their picture is so bad, the photographer might reconsider their career choice.
- Self-Destruct Button: If your kid’s hair looks suspiciously wet in their school photo, just know there’s a backstory involving glue and poor choices that you’ll never fully understand.
- Arm Shields: If they’re unhappy with their outfit, they might try to cover themselves with their arms. I once saw a friend’s child do this, which looked far worse than just letting a little plaid peek through.
- Photographer Phobia: Sure, they may be smiling, but their eyes are screaming, “Help me!” It’s like they’re in a hostage situation, and the photographer is the captor.
- What’s Happening?: The camera flashes, and suddenly they look as if they’ve just come out of a daze. “Wait, did someone say recess?”
- Overzealous Posing: Perhaps the worst scenario is when they suddenly decide they LOVE being photographed. Their poses could rival an audition for a horror movie—making them look like they’re possessed rather than excited.
My advice? Let them wear whatever they feel comfortable in and smile however they want. Just be sure to keep those awkward photos safe in a Ziploc® bag—you’ll appreciate them when they’re older!
When picture day arrives, expect the unexpected! For a fun twist, check out this video from Ziploc® brand. Everyone say “cheese!” … or maybe not?
If you’re looking for more parenting tips, don’t miss our other posts, like this one on the journey of home insemination.
Summary
School picture day can be a hilarious disaster thanks to our kids. From chocolate milk mishaps to posing like they’re in a horror film, the unpredictability is what keeps us laughing (and cringing). Embrace the chaos and cherish those quirky memories!