When I first started blogging and went in search of sites written by other parents of children with Down Syndrome, one of the things I noticed was a distinct lack of photos.
Maybe it was fear of strangers seeing their children, or maybe it was just a level of ignorance about how to upload pics, but I do remember thinking it was sad, especially as, to my mind, one of the positive things about blogging when you have a child with special needs is the normalising of the parenting.
That seems to have changed over the past year or two, but there still something that’s not felt quite right and I’ve only just realised what it is:
There’s a distinct lack of photos of children with their parents.
Now I know, someone has to hold the camera. But I’m also aware that a lot of blogger parents feel it’s the child that’s the focus and not them.
On top of that, I also know a great deal of you are lacking in confidence about the idea of having your photo taken.
Which is a real shame.
We all come in all shapes, colours and sizes and I think it’s a wonderful thing to see photos of the parents and children together. You know you love to see them too, so why not let others see them of you?
With this in mind, I thought I’d better put one up of me and Meg, so while we were out as the sun was setting, I took this one at arm’s length.
I’d forgotten to take the zoom off.
Still, when I downloaded it onto the computer, I could see the smile in Meg’s eyes and thought it was actually a pretty good a photo of the 2 of us sharing that moment.
So, ladies and gentlemen, get those cameras out, and if you don’t have a partner to hand to help out, work out the timer function or use a mirror. Let’s see more photos of parents and kids together!
Kim is usually to be found at his own blog, Ramblings of the Bearded One. Although you will find tales about his daughter, Meg, under his “Down’s Syndrome” category, you’ll find far more simply under “Fatherhood“
That’s a great picture! I’ll try….
That is a great shot.
My son’s home worker has a tonne of shots of her and him…that close up..and i love them
Kim, I have a list of people I have to meet before I die.
Hey, some of us have places they want to visit, I have people to meet.
Your way of looking at life is inspiring. I’ve seen those You-Tube vids too. lol!
I’ll start posting pics of Parker and I together when I reach my WW goal. I’m half way there! So, hopefully it won’t be too long!
I AGREE with this whole-heartedly. For about the 1st year of my daughter’s life I was so self-concious about my baby weight (and let’s face it too darn lazy to do anything about it) that there are only pix of her with my husband during that time. Finally something clicked inside me, I got over it, and I’ve been taking pix galore with she and I. I want her to remember how much fun the two of us had together.
Tammy, Tammy, Tammy!
Thank you so much for your warm sentiments, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to challenge you.
If you’re going to wait until you reach a goal weight, you’ve missed the point. Do you think Parker cares what size you are? Do you think in 10 years time, or 20, you and/or Parker are going to worry about how big you were?
I used to be 275lbs, so I do understand. But you cannot put your life on hold, or avoid doing things until you have reached some ideal size/shape/weight. I’m sure you, as much as anyone, understands the need to make the most of the now.
I await your photo
Wonderful advice, O’ Bearded One. Much enjoyment viewing your visage and the lovely eyes of Meg. Thank you.
What a wonderful photo, Kim! And what wonderful advice, too.
xo
Very good point! There are barely any picture of me because i almost always am holding the camera, but I see your point!
Okay okay- but it’s time limited! I found one.
Kim, what a wonderful, heartfelt post. I agree, that so many don’t post pictures of themselves with their children. I have never been camera shy. I’m a big gal (big) and learned from my dear Mama, who passed away when I was 8, that pictures are all we have when our loved ones pass on. I don’t care if you are overweight, have a bad hair day, look like you were out all night, whatever…. your children and loved ones don’t care, they want something to look at years and years from now, to share memories and stories from years gone by.
So pleased to make your acquaintance, O Bearded one!! With the blogs from my book about our son who lived with Down Syndrome for 27 years (“Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs”)I always include a photo. Take a look at the last few and tell me what you think. Thanks! Sybil