How to Prepare Kids for Family Photos
IMPORTANT! It is important for mom and dad to set the expectations at home first, so that big brother and sister know what to expect knowing that this day is important and fun for them - not just baby!
Tips to Make Newborn Photos Special for Big Brother and Sister
A new baby changes everything in a family’s life. There is a lot more to love, but, just as in all things, it takes time to adjust to life with this new little person in your life. This is especially true for older siblings, especially if they are toddlers! Their whole world has gone a bit topsy turvy and they need some extra love and patience. As you prepare for your family newborn photo session, here are some tips for making the process easy and enjoyable for those amazing siblings! Check out my Newborn Session Prep Guide to help you prepare in every way for your next Newborn Photography Session!
1) MAKE IT A FAMILY CELEBRATION: Being a big brother and sister is such a big change in life! They need to feel special, too. Your newborn session is actually a celebration for your entire family. So, definitely talk about it that way at home. Offer a surprise treat or activity afterward, too, so they have lots to look forward to!
2) SNACKS, TOYS, AND SPECIAL REWARDS ALL THE WAY! I will have some little toys available for siblings and snacks, too. But, feel free to bring some of their favorites, too. When session time is done, I will give a special gift to siblings. They deserve it!
3) SNACKS THAT WORK WELL: Bring along snacks that can be easily eaten and that are not messy! Cheerios and puffs are perfect. For older kids, fruit snacks and cheerios are good too! Please avoid goldfish and granola bars because they can be gummy and messy. Avoid chocolate altogether! Tic Tacs and Smarties are good bribery treats for kiddos 4 and up!
Becoming a big brother or sister is a big deal! We will have moments when they get to be the “star” of the show, too.
4) WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ME: Never force a toddler to pose, sit still, or look at the camera. We will work together to engage your kiddos so that you will connect as a family.
5) ACTIVITIES TO DO TOGETHER: I encourage you to simply be a family together while I capture the connection, comfort, and love: play together, tell jokes, ask for hugs, sing, cuddle, kiss each other, tickle and laugh, but also quietly snuggle! I will guide you through the entire way and offer up suggestions.
6) BREAKS ARE A MUST: With toddlers especially, I call it the "shoot and run". Because their attention spans only go so far, we will work together to engage sister or brother, and then let them run off and play. Then in a little while, we will bring them in to engage again. Sometimes, it takes just a split second to get an images you will remember forever!
