Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, and sometimes it’s the little things that can have the most profound impact. A few years ago, I encountered a bright student named Lucas, who excelled academically but struggled with creative tasks. Art class was always a hurdle for him; he often shut down completely. Despite my best efforts to engage him, nothing seemed to resonate.
Then one day, everything changed. While wandering around the art room, I noticed Lucas fully absorbed in creating a piece of art. He was stepping outside his comfort zone and expressing himself freely. I felt a surge of pride and wanted to capture this moment for him to share with his family. “Can I take a picture of this?” I asked. His face lit up with joy, and he eagerly agreed. I snapped the photo and sent it to his parents, and to my surprise, it sparked a transformation in him. From that day on, Lucas flourished in art class, becoming one of the most dedicated and creative students I had the pleasure of teaching.
This experience became a regular part of my teaching strategy. Whenever a student made a significant effort—like staying in during recess to work on a project or organizing their messy desk—I would ask, “Can I take a picture of this?” The simple act of taking their picture turned into a powerful motivator. But it wasn’t until recently that I realized I could apply this strategy at home with my own children.
One day, I walked into my son Ethan’s room and saw him dressed all by himself—a monumental achievement for us after many battles over getting dressed. With his shirt slightly askew and socks on inside out, he looked so proud. “Oh sweetie, you look so handsome! Can I take your picture?” I exclaimed. His face lit up, and he happily agreed. Since that moment, Ethan has taken the initiative to dress himself nearly every day. I believe that taking that picture motivated him to embrace his independence.
Ethan is also fascinated by animals, often pretending to be different creatures or diving into books about them. To mix things up, I decided to introduce building blocks into our playtime. Initially reluctant, he eventually joined in. I had to take a quick phone call, and when I returned, I was stunned. Ethan had constructed an impressive tower with blocks, leaving his toys on the other side of the room. Filled with pride, I rushed over and asked him to describe his creation. In the middle of his enthusiastic explanation, I couldn’t help but interrupt, “Can I take a picture of this?” He was thrilled at the suggestion, and I snapped a photo to share with his dad. Ever since that day, he’s built a tower daily, fueled by the excitement of our shared moment.
In the whirlwind of daily life—juggling chores, school runs, and the occasional tantrum—I sometimes forget to express my pride in my children. The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has transformed my parenting approach. Capturing these moments, whether they are significant achievements or small milestones, has become a way to show my kids how proud I am of their growth. It’s a reminder that every little success matters.
Taking photos of everything from made beds to quiet reading moments has changed the atmosphere in our home. Each picture serves as a boost of confidence for my children, reinforcing their motivation and pride in themselves. As I scroll through my phone’s camera roll, I see a timeline of their accomplishments and the small yet meaningful moments that might have otherwise slipped by unnoticed.
This simple phrase and the act of taking a picture have not only strengthened our bond but have also encouraged my children to keep striving for new successes. If you’re looking for more parenting strategies, take a look at this other blog post that dives deeper into creative motivation techniques. And for those embarking on the journey of parenthood, the CDC offers fantastic resources on pregnancy, while Make a Mom provides reliable at-home insemination kits for your journey.
In summary, the phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has become a powerful tool in my parenting toolkit, allowing me to encourage and celebrate my children’s growth in a meaningful way.
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