90% of children's brain growth happens between the ages of 0 and 5. So it’s during those key developmental years the building blocks of confidence and self-esteem need to be established.
When children feel confident it has a powerful impact on their experiences. They’re more willing to try new things, test what they can do, and they’re better able to cope when they make mistakes or fall down. While children with low self-esteem may be more reticent to speak up, join in, and experience what their little lives have to offer.
Pre-school photography is an effective method for building confidence in early childhood. It gives young children a sense of their place in the world, reminds them of what they can achieve, and, above all, represents a proud display of love.
We’re visual beings. Children notice when their parents or pre-school teachers display their photos. It gives them a sense that they are special and cherished which will naturally boost self-esteem.
Every time little ones see themselves proudly displayed they know that the people around them care deeply and this provides a sense of belonging. That comfort and safety in belonging builds confidence.
What’s more, pre-school photography often showcases the many activities children get up to when they’re away from home, whether this is art, sports, or other types of creative play. These photographs are a demonstration of what the child has achieved and what they’re capable of.
It helps to establish early on that they have various growing talents and interests to be proud of. Seeing these kinds of photographs shows children what makes them special and unique.
Family members and pre-school teachers can use this imagery for positive reinforcement. By pointing to the photographs and talking to the child about their achievements, they show them their merits and empower them. For instance, photographs may depict key milestones in a child’s life such as their graduation from one class to the next.
The process of a pre-school photography session is confidence-building by nature. Professional pre-school photographers also use positive reinforcement and are incredibly encouraging throughout shoots to ensure that children feel happy and comfortable.
Nursery, play groups, or pre-school represents an important part of your child’s life. Displaying photographs from pre-school around the home, among family photos, reinforces this. It helps young children understand their world, their place in it, and reminds them of experiences they’ve had.
It shows children what social networks they belong to and this is meaningful to them. Pre-school photography shows children they’re part of a tribe. They can step into a nursery or pre-school environment confidently. If your little one has had issues in the past with leaving the family to go to pre-school, happy photographs with their playmates can help them adjust.
We also mustn’t forget that children can experience photos in the same way as adults, as a document of their lives and histories. For example, photographs might depict special events or occasions such as a fayre or play and children will take joy in remembering those occasions adding to a sense of happiness and wellbeing.
Now you understand the valuable impact on a child’s self-confidence that images can have, here are some practical tips on how to get the most from a confidence-boosting photo session.
Lafayette Photography has extensive experience working with pre-schools capturing meaningful moments in children’s development. Contact us to organise a pre-school photography session that brings children a sense of joy and self-worth.
