I vividly recall a young student named Lucas from several years ago. He was exceptionally bright and academically driven, yet struggled with any task requiring creativity. Entering art class, he would often become disengaged. Despite my best efforts to inspire him, nothing seemed to resonate.
However, one day, as I wandered through the art room, I noticed a remarkable change. Lucas was fully engaged, crafting his piece thoughtfully and exploring his creativity without constraints. His progress filled me with pride, and I wanted to share that moment with his family. So, I asked, “Can I take a picture of this?” His face lit up. “I’d love to send a picture to your mom, so she can see your work right now,” I continued. He eagerly agreed, and I snapped the photo and sent it to his mother while he watched.
I hadn’t anticipated the profound impact that simple phrase and the action of taking a picture would have, yet it transformed Lucas’s approach to art. He blossomed into one of the most dedicated and imaginative artists I had ever seen, consistently producing outstanding projects.
Over the following years, I frequently employed this strategy in my classroom. When a student chose to stay in during recess to complete a project she was passionate about, I would ask, “Can I take a picture of this? Your dad won’t believe how committed you are!” For my typically disorganized student who finally tidied his desk, I would say, “Can I take a picture of this? I want your grandma to see how neat your desk is!”
The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” inadvertently became a powerful motivational tool for me. I reserved it for moments when I was genuinely proud of a student’s achievement, and its effects were remarkable; their motivation and confidence soared.
It was only recently that I realized this approach could also be a valuable parenting strategy. One day, I walked into my son Jamie’s room and discovered he had dressed himself—a significant milestone for us, given our daily battles over getting dressed. He looked adorable, with his mismatched socks and backward shirt, and I couldn’t help but express my pride. “Oh sweetheart, you look so great! Can I take your picture?” His face beamed with joy, and he eagerly agreed. Since that day, he has chosen his outfits independently nearly every day. This isn’t a coincidence; the simple act of taking his picture motivated him in a way that resonated deeply.
Inspired by this success, I decided to apply the same technique again. Jamie has a fascination with animals, often pretending to be different creatures. Recently, I felt our playtime needed some variation, so I suggested we build with blocks. Initially, he hesitated—unsure if it would be fun without his beloved animals. But he eventually joined in. While I was on a quick phone call, Jamie continued building, and when I returned, I was stunned by the impressive tower he had constructed using magnetic blocks.
I rushed over to him, eager to hear about his creation. As he described the house he built, I felt a surge of pride. I blurted, “Can I take a picture of this?” He lit up and exclaimed, “Can I send it to Daddy? I can’t believe I did this!” I took the picture and sent it to his father, and since then, he has built a tower every single day.
Every day, I marvel at the wonderful individuals my children are becoming. In the hustle and bustle of daily life—between laundry, meals, and tantrums—I sometimes forget to express my pride. The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has truly transformed my parenting approach.
This simple phrase, coupled with the act of capturing these moments, has proven to be an incredible motivator for my children. When I experience something extraordinary in my life, I share that joy with family and friends, so why shouldn’t they crave the same affirmation?
Whether it’s a monumental achievement or a small step forward, I utilize “Can I take a picture of this?” to highlight their growth and reinforce positive behaviors. We’ve captured moments of tidied rooms, quiet reading, sharing toys with friends, and carefully crafted artwork. These photos are sent to family, printed out, or hung up, serving as reminders of their successes.
Looking back at the pictures on my phone, I see a beautiful timeline of growth and accomplishment. I capture moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, thanks to this newfound strategy. This phrase and my camera have significantly altered the atmosphere in our home, instilling confidence and motivation in my children.
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Summary:
The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has become a transformative tool in my parenting journey, fostering motivation and confidence in my children. By capturing moments of pride, I reinforce their achievements and encourage them to grow. This simple act has changed the atmosphere in our home and highlighted the importance of acknowledging everyday milestones.