Self-Esteem and Portraits—Why You Should Start Putting Baby Pics on the Wall, NOW
9/15/2018 12:29:00 PM
Many studies have been done in psychology pointing to the
benefits of “phototherapy” for children’s best sense of well-being. Dr. David
Krauss, a clinical psychologist and author of Phototherapy in Mental Health, advocated the use of strategically
placed photographs in the home to improve children’s self-esteem. Kelly Jordan,
a professional portrait photographer, strongly agrees with these ideas and
believes all families benefit from keeping family portraits on the wall.
“Children need to be able to look around their home and see their own faces. It
shows them that they are loved!”
Kids Need to See Themselves
It’s important that children see themselves from a point of
view outside of themselves. It helps them process who and where they are in the
world and how they belong. Showing them images of themselves doing activities
they care about can provide them with a sense of happiness and provide them
with a personal narrative of how they operate successfully in the world.
Kids Need to See Their Families
Just as important as seeing themselves on their own, kids
ought to see themselves in pictures with their families and loved ones. This
helps children see how loved they are and how they belong with the family.
Imagine looking around the house and finding photos of you surrounded by your
family—it would make you feel warm and loved!
Printed Photos are Better than Digital
Just about everyone will agree that a hard copy is better
than a digital file. Hard copies engage more of the senses—a kid can touch the
frame, the glass, or the print itself—and get a sensory reaction in their body.
It’s more than just visual, it’s tactile. Prints feel more permanent, and they
can be accessed more easily. This is one reason that portrait photographer
Kelly Jordan sells prints in her studio. “Take a print home with you, put it on
your wall, show your kids they are loved!”
Create These Habits Now
The best time to start is now. Whether you’ve just had your
first baby, or your “baby” is already a teenager, show them they are loved by
hanging their portraits around your home! This “phototherapy” will boost their
self-esteem and serve as constant reminders that, whoever they are and whatever
they do, they are loved.
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