If you’re like most moms, you want to document every single major milestone in your child’s life and a little bit of everything else in between.
From their first step to their last day of school, you want it all captured. After all, they’re only young once, right.
But there are some folks out there who criticize moms for taking too many photos of their children, and instead of rejoicing with moms as they share their child’s sweet moments, critics attempt to shame moms simply for taking pictures of their children.
And sadly, “mom-shaming” is nothing new, and it comes from all different kinds of people, even those in the family.
From the sarcastic relative, who posts snarky comments online about moms being too “obsessed” with their children, to the hipster blogger encouraging moms to “live in the moment”, and put the camera down, moms can’t seem to get a break.
And recent results from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Healthrevealed just how common mom-shaming is:
“Most mothers (61%) say they have been criticized about their parenting choices, most frequently by family – their spouse/child’s other parent (36%), their in-laws (31%), or their own mother or father (37%).
Mothers report less criticism from peers – friends (14%), other mothers they encounter in public (12%), commenters on social media (7%) – or from their child’s health care provider (8%) or childcare provider (6%).
About 1 in 4 mothers (23%) have been criticized by three or more groups. Overall, 62% believe that mothers get a lot of unhelpful advice from other people, while 56% believe that mothers get too much blame and not enough credit for their children’s behavior.
These beliefs are more common among mothers reporting criticism from multiple groups.”
And unfortunately, many moms are taking comments from “mom-shamers” to heart, and are thinking twice about snapping a photo of their child, for fear they will be criticized.
But some moms choose to take photos anyway, determined to capture those special moments in time.
Most moms realize time goes by way too fast, and they yearn to capture each precious memory.
Scary Mommy, a popular mommy blog, wrote:
“For our children, time is slow. They live totally in the moment, and every day feels like a million years. And for us parents, it can drag too, especially the tough parts. But we are also acutely aware of how fleeting it is—the awful speed with which our children grow up before our eyes.
So I photographed him to remember it all, to hold onto it even as I saw it slipping by. Not every day is this excessive, but I do take many photos of my kids, especially when we are out and about.”
As a mom, you have the ability to capture moments in your child’s lives they’ll appreciate reminiscing on when they are adults.
Whether you choose to make a physical scrapbook or an online album, you are literally taking a snapshot of time, and preserving that moment forever.
You are creating lasting memories your children will always cherish.
However, there are some precautions you need to take, especially if you decide to post the pictures online.
If you choose to post photos to Facebook, make sure your privacy settings are set so only your friends can view your photos.
And, be careful with “checking in” or posting identifying information such as your address or places you frequent. Remember, not everyone on social media is safe.
Another alternative is to create a private online album that only friends and family can view with a link you send them.
So, moms, don’t feel shamed for taking pride in your child and documenting their journey through life.
Take as many photos as you want. Place them all over your house. On your fridge and on your nightstand. In your living room and lining your hallways.
There are some moments that only happen once, but if you take a photo of the moment, you can create a memory which will last forever.
Just don’t forget to live in the moment while you’re at it, and savor each precious memory, because you’ll never get to relive that sacred moment twice.
Don’t let critics get you down, or make you second guess yourself.
Be a proud mama, and take that photo!
Have you ever been criticized for taking too many photos of your children?
How would you respond to someone who told you to stop taking so many photos of your child?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.