I adore my kids, but they seem to have a knack for two things: stashing away uneaten meals and completely derailing picture day. When my son was in kindergarten, he inexplicably adopted a bizarre half-smile that resembled someone plotting mischief. When we received his school photos, I half-expected a bill from the photographer’s therapist.
Here are some classic ways your little ones might unintentionally ruin school picture day:
- They take a dive into their chocolate milk at lunch. I recall wearing a white sweater on picture day, and let’s just say it didn’t end well for my mom.
- They suddenly forget how to smile. The chances of capturing a genuine grin are slim; you’re more likely to get a look of utter confusion or discomfort.
- Nerves take over, leading to tears. My kids are not the most graceful criers, and once one starts, it’s like a chain reaction of sobs. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade places with a school photographer for all the candy in the world.
- They let the photographer handle their hair. For my son, that’s a recipe for disaster; he ends up looking like a character from a bad comedy.
- They show outright defiance. I can just picture my three-year-old giving the photographer the stink eye, determined to ruin the shot. “You want me to smile? Not a chance!”
- Under pressure, they self-destruct. If you notice your child’s hair is soaking wet in their school photo, just know there’s a chaos-filled story behind that.
- They protest their outfit by trying to cover themselves with their arms. A friend’s kid once attempted to hide a plaid shirt, thinking that would help.
- They become terrified of the photographer. Even if they’re smiling, you can see the fear in their eyes, making it look like they’re in a hostage situation.
- They completely forget what’s going on. The moment the camera flashes, it’s as if they suddenly became oblivious to the world around them—“Did someone say snack?”
- Perhaps worst of all, they decide that they absolutely love posing for pictures. The last thing you want is a child who strikes exaggerated poses, looking more like they’re auditioning for a horror film than taking a school photo.
My advice? Let them wear what they want and smile how they please. Just don’t forget to keep those awkward photos in a Ziploc® brand bag—you’ll be glad you did when they’re older.
School picture day is always a wild card. Check out this video from Ziploc® brand; everyone say “cheese!” … Please? If you’re looking for more parenting tips, take a look at this post about home insemination here. And if you’re interested in learning about the process of becoming a parent, make sure to check out this resource for excellent information. For more on the topic of home insemination, visit this site.
In summary, school picture day can be an unpredictable adventure filled with chaos and laughter. Embrace the moments, however awkward they may be.