As I reflect on my late mother-in-law, Margaret, who passed away three years ago after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, I am reminded of the importance of memories and photographs. For her memorial, I volunteered to create a slideshow that celebrated her life. As family members contributed images, I sifted through countless family albums, searching for photos that encapsulated her bond with her children and grandchildren.
This experience served as a profound wake-up call. While I eventually found a selection of cherished images, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there should have been more. There were plenty of pictures of the kids and some family gatherings, but I wanted each of her children to have individual memories captured with their mother. Hours spent searching left me feeling disheartened; this remarkable woman, who devoted herself fully to her family, simply didn’t have enough photographs with her kids.
Initially, I had a rather dismissive attitude about selfies. They seemed self-indulgent and awkward, something that the younger generation had latched onto in their quest for attention. However, after piecing together that tribute to Margaret, I began to embrace taking more selfies with my children. I want them to have visual reminders of our time together throughout their childhood, ensuring that I remain a part of their life’s narrative—both figuratively and literally.
While we can ask our partners to take more photos of us, they aren’t always around. So, during cozy mornings with my son, I’ll grab my phone to snap a picture of our moment. When I enjoy ice cream with my daughter, I suggest we take a selfie. This isn’t about social media clout or vanity; it’s about creating lasting memories for my kids. It’s also a way for me to cherish those fleeting moments as they grow up and eventually leave the nest.
The experience of compiling Margaret’s slideshow highlighted the critical need to capture not just images of my children but also of me with them. It also pushed me to overcome my insecurities about my appearance and to take those photos, regardless of whether I feel I look my best. After all, my kids won’t be searching for pictures of me looking like a model; they will want the genuine moments that reflect our relationship.
Margaret was a beautiful woman who struggled with her weight during her children’s formative years, and it makes me wonder if that contributed to the scarcity of photos featuring her. How often do we shy away from the camera because we feel unkempt? Or perhaps we skip the picture because we haven’t had time to apply makeup? This realization has encouraged me to let go of the need to appear polished before taking a photo. Some of my favorite pictures of Margaret are when she was simply being herself. Her genuine joy when captured alongside her kids and grandkids made every snapshot a treasure.
So, I urge you to embrace taking selfies with your children. Do it frequently, and without hesitation. Don’t stress over your appearance. Capture moments with each child individually and as a group. Give them the gift of abundant memories with their mother. Those few seconds spent smiling for the camera will become invaluable to them down the road.
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In summary, taking selfies with your kids is an essential practice that fosters lasting memories. It encourages connection and allows you to capture genuine moments that will be cherished for years to come. Don’t let insecurities hold you back—embrace the camera and create a visual legacy for your family.