Why don’t we just let kids be kids? I have seen it too many times to count, during a family photo session and the kids are melting down, mom and dad are stressed and trying their hardest to get the kids to sit still and smile, and everyone is miserable. This is not the ideal situation for anyone at anytime, especially when all you want are memories of your sweet kids and right now you want to disown them. So what is the solution? I say, just let kids be kids.

When our children are allowed to have fun, be silly, and show off their personalities, you get to showcase exactly who they are at this time in their lives. What could possibly be better than that? This is not forced posing with fake smiles. This is laughing, funny faces, and silly noises. The smiles are real, very, very, real.

Although the images below are all in a studio space, kids can be kids anywhere. This thought process also works really well with the whole family. Mom and Dad, you have permission to just have fun and love your kids! Tickle each other, tell jokes, laugh together! Family photo sessions can become something you cherish and that your kids remember when they are older and hopefully carry on the tradition with their own kids.

Next time you have family pictures taken, just relax, take a deep breath, and let your kids be kids. I promise, when you let them be kids, you can also get some real posed family smile pictures as well. The kids won’t mind at all.