Family photographs can help develop child’s positive self-image
I recently read a fascinating article which said that family photographs can help develop child’s positive self-image.
A survey conducted by an international portraiture company questioning 1,000 parents, found that the UK is a nation ‘obsessed’ with keeping loved ones close, with 78% of us keeping between one and 15 pictures of our family around the home.
Children whose parents display family photographs in the home grow up with greater confidence and sense of belonging, according to the research.
The study also shows that having photography up in the home makes children feel valued and gives them a rich understanding of where they come from.
The results found the number of photographs parents display of their children is heavily influenced by how many photos of themselves they remember in their homes when growing up.
Those who have grown up without photos in the home are less likely display any of their own children, which could in fact be damaging their children’s image of self as they mature.
Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester, said: “We cannot underestimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging. They cement us into our networks.
“For children in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socialising process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.”
And that is lovely. I am always so incredibly proud and happy when I know that someone has displayed photos I took in their home. And even better when they send me photos of their wall or tag me in an image on social media.
I aim to make my photos, mini works of art in themselves. I believed that photos should be seen and shared. You’re proud of your family and your children, and rightly so. Show them off and show them what they mean to you.
Professor Beattie added: “It’s very significant that the two reasons people give for loving a particular photograph is that it reminds them of a happy time taken with family. These things are so important to us.”
If it’s important to you, why not book a family photo shoot or a session for your baby, toddler or child. What a wonderful way to make memories together and improve and affirm their positive self-image.
Here are a few of my two children in Autumn with our special dog Daisy.
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