Is it just me, or is there something fundamentally troubling about a company providing the option to PHOTOSHOP your child’s school photos? I’m glad to know I’m not alone in my concern.
How on earth did anyone think it was acceptable to offer a “photo retouch” option for ELEMENTARY SCHOOL pictures? As if children aren’t already inundated with messages suggesting they’re not good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough, now we’re adding, “Oh, and your teeth could be whiter too!” When will someone step in and say enough is enough? When will a parent or guardian voice a concern during these marketing meetings? When will someone say, “Hey, maybe we shouldn’t suggest to kids that we can airbrush away their so-called imperfections”?
My child has special needs, and her school picture often features her in her wheelchair. Are they planning to “retouch” that aspect of her life? Her left arm is turned at an awkward angle due to her condition, and will they crop the image just to avoid showing her hand, which she works hard to maneuver through Occupational Therapy? What about kids who have recently lost teeth? If they can add teeth back to photos, I might as well go back in time and fix all my own school pictures from kindergarten through high school, because I had a gap that could drive a truck through!
In all seriousness, as much as I disliked my gap back then, I’ve come to embrace it as part of my identity. It’s what makes my smile unique, just like it’s important for our kids to learn to accept their own quirks. This is the time in their lives when they should be focused on school projects, friendships, and whether they returned their library books—not on blemishes or the color of their teeth.
Before anyone jumps in to argue about how difficult it is to be a kid today due to media and social pressures, let’s be clear: it has always been hard to grow up. I was a child of the ’80s and a teenager in the ’90s. It was challenging then, and it remains so. I experienced my own share of awkwardness, oversized glasses, a less-than-stylish haircut, and a prominent gap between my front teeth. I was teased relentlessly and often came home in tears.
However, I was fortunate to have a supportive parent who instilled confidence in me. She didn’t rely on outside influences to boost my self-esteem; she simply reinforced the notion that beauty is only skin deep and what truly matters lies within. Her encouragement taught me to embrace who I am, imperfections and all.
We should be empowering our kids to be proud of themselves just as they are. Instead of offering airbrushing options, we should be shouting, “Forget the critics! Be yourself! You’re amazing!”
So, to the company offering retouching services for school photos, I will not be taking you up on that offer. My child is perfect just as she is, and I encourage other parents to consider the message they send when they opt for photo alterations. It’s less about celebrating individuality and more about conforming to an unattainable standard of perfection.
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In summary, let’s focus on building confidence in our children rather than masking their uniqueness. They deserve to feel proud of who they are—imperfections included.
Keyphrase: Do Not Retouch My Child
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