This month I was reminded of a universal mom truth – and it needs to change! As the owner of Movies for Mommies (MFM)—now proudly celebrating our 25th year, I’ve had the joy of meeting three generations of movie-loving moms. Over the last two and a half decades, everything around us has changed, yet one thing has remained shockingly unchanged: Moms STILL avoid being in photos. Having spent the last few weeks at our Holiday Photo Minis around the city, I’ve heard all the classic lines:

• “I’m not made up today.”
• “I barely slept last night.”
• “I’m just not loving how I look.”

I’m someone who would choose public speaking over posing for photos, so, truly, I get it. But before you duck out of the next picture, here are seven important reasons why you should absolutely say yes, and say “Cheese”.

7. You Look SO Much Better Than You Think You Do

This is not flattery—it’s truth. Your mirror lies. Your Zoom camera lies. Your internal critic definitely lies. As someone a couple of decades older than most MFM moms, let me assure you: Future you will look back at today and say, “Wow… I looked amazing!”. You’ll see strength, softness, youth, and love. All the things you’re too tired to notice right now.

6. This Is a Moment in Time You’ll Never Get Back

Maybe you aren’t made up. Maybe there’s a stain on your sweater. Maybe you slept 47 minutes last night because little Eli is teething again. But these are the details that make the memory real. In a world of curated grids and flawless filters, the imperfect photos are the ones your heart returns to: “I was exhausted… but look how tiny he was.” “That was the Christmas she wouldn’t let go of my hair.” “That was our life, exactly as it was.” Photos are souvenirs of your real journey.

5. One Day Your Kids Will Ask Why You Aren’t in the Pictures

And you do not want your answer to be: “Because my bangs had other plans.” Your kids don’t care what you think you look like. They see comfort. They see love. They see home. Photos with you in them show your children where they came from—and who held it all together.

4. You’re the Family Historian—Don’t Edit Yourself Out

Moms document everything: first smiles, first steps, first food explosions. You’re the one behind the camera capturing the magic. But imagine watching your family’s story unfold… and you never appear. You’re not meant to be a ghost narrator. You’re the heart of the film. Step into your supporting (or starring!) role.

3. Your Kids Remember Your Presence, Not Your Eyeliner

One day, your children will treasure these photos not for your outfit or your hair—but for what those moments felt like. Warmth. Safety. Connection. Mom. These are the memories you’re preserving—not your mascara level.

2. Photos Help You Celebrate ALL Versions of Yourself

Motherhood isn’t glamorous every day. Actually… some days not at all. But every version of you deserves to be remembered:

• The snuggled-up, sleepy version
• The messy bun, oversized sweater version
• The proud, glowing, “We made it to the movies!” version

Photos remind you that even in chaos, you were showing up with love.

1. You’re Teaching Your Child What Confidence Looks Like

When your kids see you step into photos—even when you feel imperfect—they learn:

• Confidence
• Self-kindness
• Presence over perfection
• That moms deserve space in the story too

What a powerful legacy to give them. So This Holiday Season (and the rest of the year too!) … Get in the Picture Not because your hair is behaving. Not because you feel rested (ha!). Not because you’re decked out in matching plaid. Do it because this moment—this messy, magical, beautifully imperfect stage of life—deserves to have YOU in it. Lights. Camera. Mama. Looking for Baby-Friendly Fun? Check out our upcoming MFM events, free Photo Minis, and baby-friendly screenings.