Do you have a tween? If so you know how amazing and challenging this age can be. One minute they are dancing and singing with you to some silly song, and the next they are overthinking every decision and rolling their eyes at your playful suggestions. You also know that this phase takes busy to a whole new level!
Scheduling their own personal photo session may not even cross your mind, or it might just not ever make it on the calendar between practices and social events. This may come as a bit of a TRUTH BOMB: But that squishy little toddler that wears superhero capes or lets you put their hair in pig tails is growing up fast. And as their mother you are going to want to do everything in your power to build them up and fill their heart with confidence!
Top 3 Reasons to Schedule a Tween Session
1. That in be”tween” stage goes so fast!
I hate to be the barrier of bad news but time does not slow down as you approach the teenage years. Yes, I know they change incredibly fast as babies and toddlers and it feels like we try to capture every little thing on camera. As they get a little older that seems slow slow down a bit, they are busy with after school activities, they don’t always respond to your camera with a big toothless grin anymore, and it’s easy to miss how much they are really changing. For a quick sample of just how fast these tweens change check out this blog post of my Carter entering his tween years at age 10 and then again as those years close and he is becoming a full on teenager right before he turned age 14. Less than 4 years apart!
This fun but quirky and emotional time of life definitely deserves to be captured and celebrated!
2. A Boost of Confidence…
The tween years have always been some of my very favorite. I spent 10 years counseling in schools with this age group because I think it’s such a special time. But I can tell you, it can be so hard. They are unsure of themselves, unsure of their relationships, and often just a little awkward in their own skin. If you just suddenly stop capturing your tween during this time, what does that say to them? This age, NEEDS to feel seen and celebrated too! Clinical Psychologists have said that when tweens see themselves in photos on the walls of their home, they feel more confident and loved. They deserve to see how amazing and inspiring they are through the lens of our camera!
3. It can be so much fun for them, and you!
I absolutely love photographing tweens because when its all about them, they have a blast. Even when they think they hate having their picture taken, they enjoy being doted on. They love having a say in where we shoot, what we focus on, what they wear, etc. I am happy to chat with you about ways we can make this more relaxed if you feel like it might be overwhelming or a hard sell for your tween. But I promise it doesn’t have to be painful!
I always suggest parents sweeten the deal by getting their hair done before, adding a little mascara or if nothing else promising a coveted dinner or dessert after. Make it an evening of relaxing and spending time together. Even my own “photographer kids” love this!
Want to chat more about a session for your tween? Feel free to reach out!
