How to Keep Your Toddler Happy During Your Family Session

Family & Children

Ohh the lovely days of the terrible twos, the theatrical threes, the fearsome fours…yes, I know firsthand that those years bring all their own struggles, challenges, and endless prayers for patience! Those years make things like scheduling family portraits even *more* stressful and worrisome than they might have been already. But take it from me, a toddler mamma and photography kid professional, this too shall pass (and you’ll want the pictures to remember before this season is gone). In fact, it’s one of our very favorite stages to photograph! So, if you’re not sure how to keep your toddler happy during your family session, don’t worry! We are, and we’re sharing with you!

While your toddler may be the epitome of “bless his little heart,” I promise you that there is nothing we haven’t seen before; there is nothing we can’t handle. Ahem, throwing sand, spitting, kicking, screaming, and running away are mere child’s play.

Here are some of my tried and true tips and tricks to keep your sweet threenager happy during your family session:

  • Come to your family session with a full belly and a drink on hand. (Just consider eating the snack before you dress your little one in his precious smocked romper!)
  • Let your little one be himself, and keep the discipline to a minimum. Yes, I know, this goes against every fiber in your being, but just let it slide for a few minutes while I work my magic! Like I said, nothing can phase me, I promise! And remember, a grouchy toddler face is cuter than a grouchy parent face 😉
  • Verbally prepare your little one as well as possible
  • Hire the right photographer!! Not all creatives are made equally; some have strengths in composition for magazine models, others know how to wrangle angry cats on the beach. For family photos, you’ll want to invest in the latter (pst- that’s us!).
We know how to be creative even when things *feel* hopeless – precious baby girl is screaming in this image and you didn’t know that before I told you! 😉

So fear not, mama, we got this together! Your toddlers and their antics are some of the most formidable yet special memories you’ll have of your sweet child. Don’t delay the portraits based on fear, because even if they have their extra-wild pants on during the session, I promise the end result is something you’ll cherish forever.