Is it just me, or is there something fundamentally unsettling about a company offering to Photoshop your child’s school photos?
Glad to see we’re on the same wavelength. Let’s dive into this.
Questioning the Norm
How did anyone ever think it was appropriate to present a “photo retouch” option in an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL picture package? As if our children aren’t already inundated with messages about not being good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough, we now have to say, “Oh, by the way, your teeth aren’t white enough either!” Seriously? Where is the common sense? When do the decision-makers in these companies realize how damaging this messaging can be? When does a parent or grandparent step in and say, “Hey, maybe we shouldn’t be telling kids that we can erase their ‘flaws’”?
Personal Reflections
My son has special needs, and his school pictures often feature him in his wheelchair. Are they going to offer to “retouch” that out? He has a unique way of holding his hand due to his condition. Will they crop the photo so you can’t see it, even though he works diligently every week in therapy to improve his function?
And what about kids who have recently lost teeth? If they can add teeth back into photos, I would love to revisit every single school picture I ever took—they would need a lot of fixing!
Just kidding, of course. Although I once disliked my own imperfections, I’ve learned to embrace them. They’re part of who I am, and I wouldn’t dream of altering them in a photograph. I would never suggest to my child, or any child, that they could “retouch” anything in their school photos. This is a time when they should be focused on science projects and friendships, not on superficial issues like blemishes or tooth color.
Reflections on Growing Up
Before anyone jumps in about how tough it is to be a kid today due to social media and other pressures—let me tell you, it’s always been challenging. I grew up in the 80s and faced my own fair share of awkwardness. I wore thick glasses, had a frizzy hairstyle, and struggled with my appearance. I was teased, and it hurt.
But my mom poured love and positivity into me, reminding me that beauty is only skin deep and that what matters is who you are inside. She didn’t rely on Photoshop or anyone else to shape my self-esteem. We shouldn’t do that for our kids either. Instead, we should be encouraging them to be proud of who they are, telling them to “Forget the haters! Be yourself! You’re amazing!”
A Call to Action
So, to the folks at Inter-State Studio Inc., no thanks. I won’t be using your “retouch” service for my child. And to the parents considering this option, think about the message you’re sending. It’s less about unconditional love and more about conforming to a “perfect” image.
For more on parenting and self-acceptance, check out this post on advertiser disclosure. You can also find valuable information about boosting fertility at Make a Mom, and for further insights, visit the CDC’s pregnancy resources.
Summary
The idea of photoshopping children’s school pictures is concerning and sends a damaging message about self-acceptance. Instead of encouraging kids to conform to unrealistic standards, we should celebrate their unique traits and foster a sense of pride in who they are.