Over the last week as I have been checking Facebook I noticed the annual tidal wave of first day of school photos flood my feed.  With Amarillo schools and schools across the country returning from summer break I’ve seen a steady stream of these first day of school pictures.  I don’t know about you but I love scrolling through the first day of school pictures.  I like seeing hair styles and what the new fashion trends are, I like seeing the crazy growth spurts kids seem to have in the summer, and mostly I love seeing the excitement and hope in their eyes as they start fresh upon a new journey.

As I was scrolling through all of these photos, I couldn’t help but think about our kids.  How many of them have ever had or will ever get a first day of school picture, and how many of their parents and grandparents or other family members get to share in the excitement and encourage them on their new adventure.  My guess is not very many.

One of the key pillars of attachment for a child is that they are seen.  When you are seen that means that you are important enough for someone to pay attention to you and thus cares enough to keep you safe.  When kids have this feeling of safety they gain a sense of security and the relationship with the caregiver is strengthened.

Maybe this is just a little thing, and maybe it can take a little bit of extra effort, but I would encourage you to help the children in our care feel seen and important when they go back to school and take some time to take a first day of school picture.  Then get with your Caseworker and if it is ok share their photos with their families and MCs.  Make it fun, make it memorable.  While I know it may be just a little thing many times it is the little things that make the most difference.