In the age of social media and DSLR cameras, it is natural to document children's daily lives through photography. But just when is taking photos of kids going overboard? If you have 10-20 daily pictures of your child and 15-minute videos to boot, does that mean you reached the threshold for taking photos of your kids?
Find the Root Cause of Why You Take Too Many Photos of Kids
Slate Care and Feeding offered parenting advice to a wife who has become irritated over her husband taking what she feels are too many photos of their 3-year-old daughter. According to the letter-sender, even their daughter would sometimes ask dad to put the camera away.
In response, the parenting expert at Slate stressed the importance of getting to the root of the need to preserve the child's every moment every day. Validate the feelings of the parent to these areas of concerns:
- Does the parent have a few photos from their childhood?
- Does the parent have a lousy memory and do not forget what the child looks like when smaller?
- Does taking photos of kids put the parent in danger of not being fully present?
When is Taking Photos of Kids Dangerous?
Brightside cited several reasons why taking too many photos of kids can do more harm than good:
- When children think they are the center of the universe
- When children become overly critical of themselves
- Parents memories may be impaired behind the lens vs. being in the moment
- When children become widely humiliated by childhood photos on the internet (especially when it goes viral)
- When parents share their kids' photos without the consent of the child
- When children's privacy is invaded
- When children face discrimination at an early age
- When children can be exposed to a greater risk of identity theft
Photography Tips to Remember, So Parents do not Go Overboard
Think about the Impact of the Photos on the Child and Others
Dr. Philippe Rochat, a psychology professor and director of the Emory Infant and Child Laboratory, advises parents not to obsess over picture-taking. "Consider how and why we take pictures," said Rochat, who encourages not just parents but also children to consider these questions.
Parents should reflect on the impact of the photos and what they are projecting to the outside world. "Parents need to be aware that constant documentation can become self-centered rather than kid-centered." The child should also consider how their image can affect others. If you have a small child, you can use professional newborn photos services to capture the most cherished moments for a family photo album.
Respect the Privacy of the Child
Tonya Rooney, a lecturer in the School of Education, revealed that even young children are very aware of their need for privacy. Children may ask people not to take their photo. Others may feel photography during their private playtime is intrusive. "Children will have to deal with a history of photos online that may not be how they wish to project themselves in the world by then," she explained.
