Is it just me, or does it seem fundamentally WRONG for any company to offer to PHOTOSHOP your child’s school photos? It can’t be just me, right? I’m relieved we’re on the same wavelength. Let’s dive into this.
The Problem with Retouching
How did we reach a point where adding a “photo retouch” option to ELEMENTARY SCHOOL picture packets seemed like a good idea? As if children aren’t already inundated with messages telling them they’re not good enough—whether it’s about their looks, intelligence, or abilities. Now, we have to add, “Oh, and by the way, your teeth could be whiter too!” Seriously, when does someone finally step in and say, “Hey, maybe we shouldn’t be telling kids that we can airbrush away their ‘problems’”? This is especially concerning because A: No one is perfect, B: The idea of perfection is a myth, and C: THEY’RE CHILDREN, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!
Personal Reflections
As a parent, I have a child with special needs. Her school pictures often feature her in her wheelchair. Are they going to offer to “retouch” that out? What about her left arm, which sometimes doesn’t position correctly due to her condition? Should we crop the photo to hide her hand, which she works tirelessly in Occupational Therapy to improve?
And let’s not forget about kids who’ve recently lost teeth. If they can magically add teeth back into photos, I’m ready to retake every single one of my school pictures from kindergarten to senior year—because I had a gap that could have used some work! But seriously, I’m kidding. While I once disliked my gap, I’ve come to embrace it as part of my identity. It’s how people recognize me, and I wouldn’t dream of “retouching” it out of a picture. I would never suggest to my child, or any child, that they should alter their school photos.
Embracing Childhood
This phase of life is all about shoebox science projects, who they sit with at lunch, and whether they returned their library books—not about zits or teeth colors. And before anyone starts to complain about how tough it is to be a kid today, let’s be real: it’s always been challenging.
I grew up in the 80s and navigated junior high in the 90s. It was awkward—big glasses, frizzy hair, and a gap between my teeth that I hadn’t grown into yet. I experienced my fair share of teasing and tears. Yet, I had a mother who constantly showered me with love and support. She reminded me that beauty is only skin deep and that what truly matters lies within. She never relied on anyone else to lift my spirit, nor did she allow me to hide away from the world.
We shouldn’t give our kids the option to hide either. We should be encouraging them to shout, “Forget the world! Embrace who you are!”
A Message to Parents
To the folks at PhotoMagic Studios, no thanks. I won’t be taking you up on your offer to retouch any aspect of my child’s appearance. She’s already wonderful just the way she is. And to parents who might consider “retouching” their child’s school pictures, think about the message you’re sending. It’s a bit less about self-acceptance and a bit more about creating a facade.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about this topic, check out this insightful post. And if you’re looking for quality supplies for at-home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom for reliable kits. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent resources.
Summary
The trend of photoshopping children’s school pictures sends harmful messages about self-acceptance and perfection. Parents should encourage children to embrace their uniqueness rather than hide behind a facade of edited images.
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