I’ll always remember a bright fifth grader I taught a few years back. He was incredibly intelligent and driven, but struggled with creative tasks. Walking into art class, he often seemed overwhelmed, and despite my best efforts to engage him, nothing seemed to work—until one day.
As I wandered around the art room, I noticed a change. He was deeply involved in creating his project, stepping outside of his comfort zone without any structured guidelines. I felt a wave of pride and wanted to share this moment with his family. “Can I take a picture of this?” I asked. His face lit up, and he eagerly agreed. I snapped the photo and sent it to his mom.
To my surprise, that small gesture had a powerful effect. From then on, he flourished in art class, transforming into one of the most dedicated and creative students I had ever encountered. I began using this approach regularly. Whenever a student went above and beyond—like the one who chose to work during recess or the one who tidied up their messy desk—I would ask, “Can I take a picture of this?”
That simple phrase became one of my greatest teaching tools. I didn’t use it every day, only when I felt a genuine sense of pride. But when I did, it sparked motivation and confidence in my students.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself using this tool at home. One day, I walked into my son Leo’s room to find him dressed all by himself—a big achievement since getting dressed had turned into a daily struggle. He wore his clothes inside out and backwards, but he looked so proud. “Oh sweetheart, you look so handsome! Can I take your picture?” I asked. He beamed with joy, and since then, he’s gotten dressed independently almost every day.
I realized that the act of taking his picture motivated him just like it had for my students. So, I tried it again. Leo loves animals and often plays with them, but I wanted to introduce some variety into his playtime. One day, I suggested we build with blocks. Initially reluctant, he eventually joined in. When I returned from a phone call, I was amazed to see the impressive tower he had constructed.
In my excitement, I interrupted him, “Can I take a picture of this?” His face lit up again. “Can I send it to Daddy? This is amazing!” With his enthusiastic yes, I clicked the photo and shared it. Since that day, Leo has built towers every single day.
In the hustle of daily life—laundry, meals, tantrums—it’s easy to forget to express pride in our kids. The phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” has transformed my parenting. It has become a way to celebrate their achievements, big and small. Whether it’s a neatly made bed or a moment of kindness, I capture these instances and share them with family and friends.
These photos have changed the atmosphere in our home, reinforcing my children’s confidence and joy in their accomplishments. As I scroll through my phone’s camera roll, I see a timeline of their growth, filled with moments that might have been missed without this simple approach.
In essence, this phrase and the act of taking a picture have become tools to help my kids feel recognized and valued in their journey of growth and learning.
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Summary:
Incorporating the phrase “Can I take a picture of this?” into parenting has proven to be a powerful motivator for kids. Capturing their achievements, no matter how small, instills a sense of pride and confidence. This simple act fosters an environment where children feel celebrated and encouraged in their growth and learning.