A couple years ago, it dawned on me that all the photos I had of my kids scattered around the house were baby pictures–cute snapshots and portraits of them when they were tiny, clean, and dressed by me. While I love having all those cherubic little faces around my house, it didn’t really represent the evolution of my family. I thought my kids might appreciate seeing some more recent reflections looking back at them from those frames.
So, in addition to framing all those school portraits that were still in their cellophane envelopes, and arranging them along the stairwell, I had to learn how to not only take photos with my handy little digital camera–but how to get those photos from the camera to the computer onto photo paper. Updating the photo collection didn’t go un-noticed. My kids actually commented on the upgrade and appreciated having some new photos of them (within reason, of course) scattered around the house. A few of those old standby baby photos got tucked away to make room and the shelves and tables look more like those of the more established family (that we are).
How long has it been since you updated the family photos you have on display? Is it still the “wedding” photo and the baby shots? Some diversity and depth in terms of your family photos don’t just do a better job of representing your family as is–but I think it also sends a strong message to our kids that we are proud of them ongoing and we love the family we have now, not just the ideal of the cute young family we once were. Mix it up–consider some realistic candid photos that show the personality and uniqueness of your kids and family members–it is another strong way of showing acceptance.
See Also: the Photography and the Home blogs