My son has just started preschool, and suddenly, my refrigerator is adorned with his colorful art creations. Each day, I’m treated to amusing tales of his adventures with friends and what his teacher said. Recently, I received a letter that announced the much-anticipated picture day.
Initially, I wondered, how did my little one grow up so fast that he’s already having school pictures taken? Then, I found myself contemplating what he should wear and how to style his hair for that day. But as I pondered, I quickly recalled a vital lesson I strive to impart to my children: Stay authentic. Always. Regardless of what others say or think, it’s essential to remain true to oneself.
Many parents work tirelessly to instill this principle because we want our children to develop into individuals who embrace their true selves instead of conforming to external expectations. This led me to my next thought: Why am I stressing about making him look flawless for picture day?
Before he even understood the concept of picture day, I was already scheming his outfit, planning a crumb-free breakfast to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions before the photos were taken. I envisioned him looking immaculate and perfectly styled for his first school pictures because, after all, isn’t that what we, as parents, traditionally do? We dress our kids up, ensuring they appear presentable for the camera, knowing these images will be shown to family, friends, and teachers for years to come.
While this mindset is common and even understandable, I’ve decided to adhere to that earlier lesson about authenticity. For picture day, my son can choose his own clothes. If he wants to wear mismatched patterns or a shirt covered in his favorite cartoon characters, that’s perfectly fine. If he comes to school with tousled hair from running around at recess or a scraped knee from playing too hard, that’s just part of being a preschooler.
I’m not concerned if he doesn’t look like he stepped out of a magazine for his school photos. I want him to be captured in a way that reflects who he truly is every day. I want to remember him as the spirited little boy who expresses himself through his fashion choices, who plays with abandon, and who loves fiercely.
At four years old, he doesn’t need to be flawless for school pictures because, let’s face it, four-year-olds are rarely pristine. I want my children to grow up without worrying about societal standards of appearance, and that starts at home. This lesson should apply every day, not just on picture day. The beauty of these photos is reminiscing in 10, 15, or even 20 years about the kid who radiated joy, regardless of how well his outfit matched.
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In summary, while the pressure to have picture-perfect kids can be overwhelming, embracing their individuality and true selves is what matters most.