Eight Thing Parent Shouldn't Do Before School Picture Day

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Naturally, you want your child's school photo to be the best that it can be. However, well-meaning parents may actually be causing the issues with their children's pictures.

Follow this list of don'ts to get the best photo from school picture day:

1. Don't get your child's hair cut the night before. A new haircut takes some time to look natural; the night before school photos is not enough time for it to do so. Make appointments a week or two before.
2. Don't criticize your child's appearance on their way out the door. This can erode their confidence which can impact how their school photos turn out, not to mention their self-esteem over time.
3. Don't insist on them dressing to the nines on photo day. Let your child choose what they want to wear rather than make them wear a bow-tie or dress that they are uncomfortable in. Deciding what to wear will give them a sense of autonomy, which can help with confidence.
4. Don't ask them how they are going to smile. This can put a child on the spot and make them uncomfortable later when the photographer tells them to 'smile.' If they want to show you their smile, be reassuring and positive.
5. Don't use makeup, like concealer, to camouflage blemishes. This can back-fire and stain a shirt, become blotchy, or show-up in unedited school pictures. Blemishes are part of growing up, though some photo services will offer touch-ups per request.
6. Don't give the child hair products to fix or maintain their hairstyle. Young children will mess with their hair until it is a mess, and older kids may over-do it and be dissatisfied with their final picture. Keep it simple; provide a comb and a mirror if they are receptive to it.
7. Skip the smile-practice in the days leading up to picture day. Practicing smiling can become a power struggle and test of wills; know that your child knows how to smile and will be more confident when you trust that they can do this.
8. Don't show up at the school. Your presence isn't going to make it easier on picture day. Unless your child requests it, let them handle it independently and without a lot of commotion. This ensures they will be calm and relaxed- which makes for the best photos!

Use these tips to make your child comfortable and confident on their big day, which will be reflected in a memorable and flattering photo. 

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22 February 2017