The Age of Significance-why does it matter?

Naming the ages of 10-14 the Age of Significance in our e-booklet, Your Life in Portraits, is no mistake. 

So much happens during these formative years that have “significant” impact during this special time that is suspended between child and teen.

The ages of 10 through 14 are a time of big, sometimes wonderful, sometimes bumpy, transitions for your child.

They need independence, structure and reassurance that they are part of a family that loves them and approves of them. BUT…they may start to pull away as they struggle to find their own voice.

It’s OK.

Yes, they will probably change their focus from you as the center of their universe towards their interests, their friends, their activities…and social media!

Body image issues start popping up at this time as they become more aware of their own bodies and compare themselves to others in their peer group. 

What a perfect time to do a beautiful and uplifting portrait of them along with a family portrait to reinforce a positive message that they are loved, part of a family and accepted for who they are; just as they are.

HERE’S WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT DIGITAL VS PRINTED PORTRAITS IN THE HOME:

“My personal and clinical bias is there is something very powerful in touching your fingers to an actual print. Touching the photograph is the same thing as touching a book when you read it. There’s a lot of stimulation of the brain when you have that sensory experience.” - child psychologist Craig Steinberg.

“Displaying photos prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced.“ - clinical social worker Cathy Lander-Goldberg.

“I think placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it really hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It lets them know where they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for.” - David Krauss, licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio.

“FAMILY IS NOT AN IMPORTANT THING. IT IS EVERYTHING.” -Michael J. Fox