Terrible twos… let me tell you they are a real thing. Toddlers can be just the worst, they can be the BEST, but sometimes they really can be just the worst. They want to communicate theirs needs but just don’t know how to, they are talking but we can’t understand a word they say, every little thing is the end of the world to them and we just can’t figure out why. But at the end of the day they are just so stinking cute we wake up the next day and do it all again.
PLEASE don’t let this stop you from getting pictures taken. Toddlers are by far some of my toughest clients, but you need those pictures. You can’t, just can’t skip over this stage, because as hard as it is, it’s also the best as they discover their personality, and seem to learn something new and exciting every day, and say the silliest things.
Here are my tips for gearing up for a session with a toddler.
- Plan around naps and plan naps accordingly. Do not schedule your session at naptime and make sure that your toddler gets in a good nap the day of your session. Try not to have your child take their nap on the way to your session. Tired toddlers are never fun to deal with…. NEVER.
- Make sure your toddler has a big meal before coming and bring snacks. Generally, toddlers are crankiest when they need something so if we can eliminate a few of those needs and be prepared for them if they arise we can avoid the meltdown.
- Get to know your photographer. If you feel that your toddler may be extra shy let your photographer know and hopefully they can plan to arrive early to get to know your toddler for a bit. If I know ahead of time that your kids might be shy I can plan to spend some time playing before ever pulling out my camera, which will make the session go better.
- Avoid saying smile. Unless you know your child is very responsive to you saying smile, try to avoid it. In my experience, mom saying smile over and over and getting frustrated doesn’t usually go as planned. Allow me to try to work my magic first and if we need I will ask for mom and dad’s help. Before your session think about what really makes your kid smile (peek-a-boo, a song…) I will be honest I am horrible at this out of habit with my own kids.
- Lastly never-ever-ever be embarrassed with how your toddler is behaving- NOT EVER! Toddler are toddlers and I have worked with a lot and I know how they are. One minute they are the happiest most social child and the next they are laying on the floor screaming and trying to hide. Trust me I am a mom of four, I have been there, I am not in any way judging you. If you need to take a minute with them to regroup do it. If your toddler is not showing any sign of finishing the session we can return to it another day. Just like adult’s toddlers have their good days and their bad.
