Children
whose parents display family photographs in the home grow up with greater
confidence and sense of belonging, it has been revealed.
David Krauss, a
licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio says, “I think it is really
important to show a family as a family unit. It is so helpful for children to
see themselves as a valued and important part of that family unit. A
photographer’s job is to create and make the image look like a safe holding
space for kids where they are safe and protected. Kids get it on a really
simple level.”
Professor
Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the
University of Manchester says “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. When children
grow up surrounded by photographs, it gives them a richer understanding of
where they come from, which helps with confidence”.
When
It Comes To Having The Greatest Positive Impact For Your Child, Which is
Better, Digital Images or Paper Prints?
Obviously,
rather than print and display family photographs, families are increasingly
enjoying their images in a digital form, be it a mobile device, a laptop, or
simply on social media. But does an image on a tablet, computer screen or
social media site have the same impact for helping families boost a child’s
self-esteem?
“My
bias is very simple. I think family photographs should be on the wall,”
says Krauss.
“I
am very conservative about self-esteem and I think placing a family photo
someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to
turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it really hits home for
that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about
them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It lets them know where
they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for,” says
Krauss.
Additionally,
Krauss recommends having photographs of that child with their family placed in
the child’s bedroom, so it can be among the last things they see before sleep
and the first thing they may see before beginning their day.
“It
says we love you and care about you. You’re important.”
Book
a session in the studio for your family now – call 01670 813007 or email
info@loudandflashy.com.
