Mums, do you shy away from the camera? 8 reasons why you shouldn't!

It is pretty easy to get showered with attention when you are pregnant. Everyone around you seems to be concerned about your wellbeing and comfort.

You probably also take many pictures of yourself and your growing bump to help you keep track of your pregnancy journey.

However, this all changes once you pop out that beautiful, much-anticipated bundle of joy.

This tiny person has now stolen your thunder. The focus of all those who previously showered you with attention dramatically and instantaneously shifts to this little attention-grabber.

I’ve been there myself... twice! And you know what? We mums are totally OK with attention being diverted away from us.

We love it when people ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the sight of our baby; we love it when they want to take pictures of the baby because she is so picture perfect.

Yes, picture perfect — unlike her mum.

While our babies are busy being gorgeous, we sometimes struggle with our own body image.

Be it dark circles from all those sleepless nights, uneven skin tone from leftover pregnancy hormones, unkempt hair that has started falling out post-delivery and, of course, the excess weight that doesn’t seem to be budging — a new mum will find plenty of reasons to shy away from the camera.

This camera-shyness doesn't end there. As our kids grow and pass several milestones, we get caught up in documenting their precious moments.

Through all of this, knowingly or unknowingly, we often leave ourselves out of the photographs — sometimes by simply being behind the camera.

Well, mum, we are here to give you reasons why YOU belong in that picture with your kids, and why you should be proud about it!

1. Because you gave birth to them

Yes, this gives you the right to photo-bomb your beautiful baby’s pictures! So go ahead, pose to your heart’s content!

2. Because you work without pay

Once you become a mum, you will soon realise that the job you are doing is not the easiest job on earth.

Not only is it a demanding role, it involves working some crazy hours!

So isn’t that reason enough to be in front of the camera, rather than behind it?

3. Because you want them to remember how they made you smile

Since I became a mum, I've found that I just cannot pose for pictures by myself. I feel I look prettier in pictures with my kids.

When I pose for pictures with my kids, my smile seems wider and more natural. I’m sure it’s the same for you, too!

So go on, get into that picture!

4. Because your kids won’t care that you are not ‘made-up’

Your kids are blind to the fact that you are minus make-up and have messy hair. They see the love in your eyes and that alone is enough to make them smile!

Looking back at old pictures, all your kids will see are the beautiful memories you created together.

5. Because just as you love looking at your kids’ pictures, they would love seeing you in pictures

Don’t you love going through pictures from your childhood? Happy, smiley pictures with your parents hugging you or smiling with you?

Just as we love going through pictures of ourselves with our parents when we were little, our kids will also love seeing us in pictures when they are all grown up.

These pictures, irrelevant of how dolled-up you are, will bring back wonderful memories of their own childhood.

6. Because pictures are memories you can cherish forever

Many mums get so caught up in documenting every single moment of their little one’s life, they forget that they are a vital part of their child’s life.

Even though there are probably times you feel anything but photogenic, all you have to do is put on your best smile and that would be perfectly enough!

7. Because you will love seeing the love in their eyes

That adoring glance your little angel gives you can speak a million words. It’s even better if you have a picture of that look to cherish all your life.

Also, I’m sure you will find comfort in such beautiful and innocent pictures when your kids are teenagers!

8. Because you need to be proud of who you are

You have much to be proud of, fellow mummy! When you look at yourself in pictures, try not to focus on the negatives.

Rather, count all the great things you can see, like how happy you look in the picture.

This alone should make you feel amazingly proud for being a wonderful wife and an utterly selfless and giving mother!

Written by

Minoli Almeida

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