The Hidden Value of Portraits

by Alicia Berardi, Ivy Photography

Published in the Family Post Spring 2006

If a picture is really worth a thousand words, then imagine a child’s feeling of well being when he sees his own image reflected around the home.  

According to child psychotherapist Stephanie Marston, author of The Magic of Encouragement, portraits have an ability to boost self-esteem and can profoundly affect young people.  Strategically placed, family photos are an effective way to reinforce your child’s self-image and self-confidence. She recommends placing two photographs near the child’s bed.  One should be a family portrait and the other should depict the child happily enjoying a favorite pastime. Research shows that the 30-minute period just before bed is when children are most receptive - when they listen more and absorb more than at any other time.  Put photos of your kids being capable and loved next to their beds, she deduces, and these positive images are likely to be the last thing they see before they sleep, and the first thing they see when they awaken.  She believes that these important pictures help to reinforce a child’s sense of belonging and of value – the two keys to high self-esteem.

Encouraging children to view, study, and describe their own photos, Marston continues is an excellent way to communicate that each person is unique.  And showing a child personal baby pictures also can help to alleviate jealousy of a newborn sibling.  She contends that if babies see their own images, they get to know themselves and she advises placing a portrait image above the changing table and amusing the baby by pointing out his eyes, ears, nose, etc.  When the baby recognizes the picture is his image, it’s a joyful moment.

Whether formal family portraits or informal snapshots, photographs are mighty communicators about the people, places and things that shape our lives.  Share and cultivate the experience with a child, and watch more than pictures develop.