Young children are naturally curious as they grow and learn to explore the world around them. Their investigative minds may see the wonder of flour being spilled onto the kitchen floor for finger drawings or discover in Mom’s makeup bag a new set of art tools for the bathroom sink or mirror. As adults, we might come upon such situations in shock and think immediately of the required clean-up or replacement cost for anything potentially ruined. We may feel exasperated in such moments—particularly with our above-average explorers who seem to frequently find themselves in similar messes.
Katie Miller shared a wonderful solution to defusing frustration or anger as young children are learning. When Katie was young and would get into a big mess or sticky situation, her mother, instead of reacting harshly, chose to laugh and get out the camera. Such instances were so frequent that they became known as those “don’t-get-mad-get-the-camera” moments, and the evidence is preserved throughout old photo albums. As a mother herself, Katie has practiced getting out the camera, and she reports that it has saved many hurt words and harsh tones from her children’s ears, preventing unnecessary divisions.
Today’s post and image are contributed by Seeing the Everyday magazine. Read more about Katie Miller’s experience in her article, “Don’t get mad. Get the camera!” in Seeing the Everyday no. 21. For more information, go to seeingtheeveryday.com.