School is almost back in session! And you know what that means – your Facebook will soon be flooded with photos of adorable children in their precious new clothes with hair brushed and styled, big hair bows and fresh clean shoes.
Most of the children will be holding some sort of sign stating the day, year, their grade, teacher’s name, what they want to be when they grow up, favorite color, height, weight, hobbies, number of teeth and blood type.
When you think about it, there are really four types of back to school photos that are taken on the first day.
The Facebook photo: This is when your child actually cooperates and is super excited for the first day of school. They can’t wait to get their picture taken and hold their sign/chalkboard while smiling and showing off their new outfit. They can’t wait to show off their brand new backpack that most likely looks way too big for their body. This is the picture that will be Facebooked, Instagrammed, texted to all family members with heart emojis and possibly Snapchatted, if you can figure out how to use it.
The uncooperative child photo: This picture is a complete and total disaster. Your child refused to go to sleep at their new “back to school” bedtime, wouldn’t get out of bed, cried that they didn’t like the outfit you picked out the night before, says the breakfast you made them is “yucky” and comes to the sad realization that they actually have to start wearing shoes again. You force them into their clothes, throw their backpack on, and hand them their poster. They fall to the ground screaming and crying and throw the sign you carefully made into the front bushes. You take a picture anyway but would never post that hot mess on social media.
The angry teenager photo: We have all seen this picture. The teenager that is standing in the back of their group of siblings. They aren’t smiling, show no emotion and only cooperate because they know that if they don’t, you will force them to stand there longer. They mutter something you choose to ignore under their breath. You finally let them escape to ride, walk or bike to school with their friends because there is no use in attempting to get them to hold that chalkboard anymore. You go inside or leave for work and cry because your baby is growing up.
The slacker mom photo: This one is usually me. I always have the best intentions to make a sign, but it just hasn’t happened yet. We are usually running about 3 minutes behind so I’m rushing the kids to get dressed and ready. I might not even notice that my four year old has his shoes on the wrong feet before we walk out the door. At the last minute, I make him stop and take a picture. He usually has his fake smile and is wearing a superhero t-shirt and rain boots but that is my kiddo to the core. And I will treasure that picture forever.
So good luck to all you moms and dads on the first day of school! May your children be well-rested and your poster boards crisp.
