Benefits of Family Photos

Did you know that psychology professors have studied the effects of printed photos for children and families?

I came across this study recently and I just have to share it with you.

First off, I want to say that I am not a research junkie; bar graphs make my brain hurt and too much data makes me dizzy. So if you are like me, just know this will not be a painful experience and there is true value for your family in this data. For all of you who love research, I have cited sources at the bottom so you can read to your heart’s content.

In 2019, more than 15,000 families participated in a study that examined the effect that photos had on their family. They answered a series of questions to find out what benefit printed photos have for families. Here are the major results:

A bar graph showing: Question 1. When I look at photos of my family I: 88% - Feel closer to my family 86% - Appreciate my family more 77% - Feel a stronger connection to my children 73% - Feel a stronger connection to my spouse/partner

These results are huge! I think we intuitively know that photos benefit our family, but seeing hard data drives the point home. Photos not only preserve memories, but they also help establish the legacy of your family. Photos draw us closer together, reminding us of the love and intimacy we share.

Graph showing that, of Parents Reporting, that: 91% - My child loves looking at photos of themself 78% - My child likes to look at photos and talk about them together

91% of parents reported that their children love looking at photos of themselves; 78% like to look at them together and discuss the photos. Photos of our children help them to become aware of themselves and how they fit within the family. What a wonderful opportunity to sit and talk with your child about the story of your family through beautiful photographs. I remember being told many stories while my parents flipped through family photos. I was too young to actually remember what happened when the photo was taken, but because of the stories shared with the photo, I now have cherished memories.

Bar Graph showing Question 2. When my children look at printed photos they feel 80% - Happy 79% - Loved 68% - Special 67% - Valued as a member of our family 67% - Have a sense of belonging in our family 61% - Important

Capturing the moments of childhood not only preserves memories for you as a parent, but also brings your child healthy confidence and a sense of belonging.

Bar Graph showing Question 3. After looking at printed photos with my children, 55% - I feel more confident that I am a good parent 55% - I feel softer and more forgiving towards my child(ren) 53% - I feel more realized as a parent

This statistic is so encouraging because it is very easy to be too hard on ourselves as parents. Most days can feel like herding cats, rather than feeling that we are actually accomplishing things that will make an impact on our children’s lives. Getting those reminders as a parent that you are doing a good job and reinforcing the bond you have with your children is beautiful. It can help alleviate some of the day to day grind of making lunches, wiping noses, and sleepless nights.

Higher Parental Self-Efficacy has been linked to:

Mind map chart showing that High Parental Self-Efficacy for parents relates to: Reduced Parental Anxiety, Increased Warmth Toward Children, Lower Stress Levels. For Families it relates to a Happier, Healthier Home Environment, Better Parent/Child Interactions. For children it leads to Higher Self Esteem, Reduced Likely Hood of Depression, Better School Performance
Bar graph of Question 4. When we look at printed photos together, 84% - It sparks telling other stories/memories 81% - We tell stories about our family 78% - My child asks me questions 67% - We talk about the emotions we experienced (such as happiness, frustration, sadness) 61% - I ask questions of my child

In this day and age we have such easy access to photos. You probably haven’t realized how this gives us the unique ability to reinforce family legacy and bond with our children. We can use photos to help our children grow in the knowledge of the family they come from, which will have a long lasting impact. Someday our kids won’t live with us anymore. Someday we won’t be our children’s primary influencer. Teaching them where they come from and giving them cherished family stories will help them weather the difficult storms of life because they have a strong sense of self identity and they can remember beautiful moments in their lives.

Graph showing that, of the parents reporting, 93% Talking about photos with my children gives them access to their past 92% Printed photos are a helpful tool to share our family story with my children

Knowledge of family history has been linked to:

Knowledge of Family History leads to Stronger Emotional Well-Being, Higher Self Esteem, Fewer Behavior Problems, Lower Rates of Depression and Anxiety, Better Coping Skills

Printed photos have also been found to enhance memory for parents and children.

Graph showing that, of the parents reporting, 91% of parents reported it helps them remember events and details that they would have otherwise forgotten 91% of parents report that it helps them remember all the things their family has been through together, both good and hard 91% of parents reported that it helps their child have more memories of childhood

Photographs keep us connected as they remind us of what truly matters in life. Families go through many challenging seasons in life and having memories to hold to is so important as we walk through them. So hold your kids tight, remind them that you love them, and remember to document your moments with photos, and then print them and put them up!

As a family photographer, I am passionate about documenting memories and beautiful moments for families. If you would like more information about taking photos for your family, book a consultation call with me and we can discuss your goals in more detail.

Book Now

Citations:
https://chatbooks.com/printed-photo-report
Benedetto, L. & Ingrassia, M. (2017, December 20). Parental Self-efficacy in Promoting Children Care and Parenting Quality. Retrieved from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/parenting-empirical-advances-and-intervention-resources/parental-self-efficacy-in-promoting-children-care-and-parenting-quality
Salmon, K. & Reese, E. (2016, August 10). The Benefits of Reminiscing with Young
Children. Retrieved from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0963721416655100
Fivush, R., Bohanek, J., Robertson, R., & Duke, M. (2004). Family Narratives and the Development of Children’s Emotional Well-Being. Retrieved from: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2004-13618-003

Benefits of Family Photos

Did you know that psychology professors have studied the effects of printed photos for children and families?

You May Also Like

Family Friendly Restaurants in the West Side Phoenix Area

Turn Your New Family Gallery into a Cozy Movie Night:

Creative Ways to Pose Babies for Newborn Photos

How Much Time Should You Really Set Aside for Family Photos?

Free or Almost Free Things for your kids to do this summer

Selecting the best location for your photo session?