Time for School Pictures
Published: 9/21/2012 1:11 PM
Last Modified: 9/21/2012 4:11 PM
Some girls might want to wear a crown - go ahead and let them. It will make for a good memory. It’s school picture time.
Picture day at a school with uniforms takes on a monumental meaning because students get to “free dress.”
My kids know what they wear will be enshrined for at least a year in an 8-by-10 frame on our mantel.
With that in mind, my 5-year-old kindergartner decided on a pink and black striped shirt with a bedazzled heart.
To top it all off, she donned a tiara and small faux diamond earrings.
She was not to be swayed from this decision and had her arguments, in a rather loud tone, ready.
Knowing to pick my battles, I let her go with her princess theme.
She practiced her smile in a mirror all the way to school. She debated whether to go demure or to grin wide showing teeth.
She won’t tell me what she decided.
My 8-year-old son rolled out bed, tugged on an OU shirt (yeah!), jeans and boots.
He did begrudgingly slick down that cowlick at my request.
Looking at the students coming into the school, it was a peek inside their personalities.
Girls were all about the bling – in their hair, on their shirts, hanging from their ears or looped around their necks. Lots of pink, purple and blue hues topped with bows and barrettes.
Boys arrived in a much more diverse way.
Some had on suits, and others chose plaid, button-down shirts or a favorite T-shirt.
The mood in the hallways was more festive, happy and more excited.
For the best results on this important day:
*Have the outfit planned out a few days before.
*Let the kids have a say. Let their individuality shine through. It will be worth it in years to come.
*Go to bed the night before early.
*Wake up at least 15 minutes earlier than usual.
*Take a mirror on the way to school and place in their lockers, for a last-minute appearance check.
*Tell them to relax and smile normally for the pose.

Written by
Ginnie Graham
News Columnist