Before bribing restless kids during our session, try this...

I come across children who don't want to be photographed every now and then, or probably more frequently kids who start to get restless and uncooperative during a shoot (which by the way doesn't phase me!). I know how to change things up to get them re-engaged and some creative tricks to help steer the session back on track.

Mother with two sons sitting down and laughing together

But I think this is where parents sometimes start to panic and worry there's a meltdown coming and automatically start offering bribes of sweets in exchange for their kids cooperation. Next thing, someone has pulled out a little chocolate and hands it to them in the hope it helps. Rarely it does in the way that they/I want it to, though. Because the kiddo is happy for 2 minutes while they eat it, but when it's finished, they want another, meanwhile chocolate is dribbling down their chin, onto their clothes, they start pleading for another one and then the parents stress levels are even higher. All their little one can focus on now is more sweets and we're now in a place we all wanted to avoid.

I have found what works really well when I see the wheels start to fall off is, I explain to your child that if they do a great job and listen to Mummy/Daddy/myself for just a little bit longer then at the end there will be a sweet treat or two waiting for them. I also commend them on how fantastic they have been so far and I'm having so much fun taking their photograph.

I have found this gets me through most of these situations (and I say MOST) and the little ones keep pushing through just that bit longer for us to get the photos. I may need to remind them a couple more times that there's chocolate waiting for them at the end when I see their focus or cooperation waning again, but it works.

So, while bribes might seem like a quick fix, I’ve found that a little patience, praise, and the promise of a treat at the END works wonders.

Hopefully this helps anyone who may find themselves in this situation during a photo session.