Are you not able look back at videos/photos of your DC because you find it too upsetting?

[Flowersblue]

Are you not able look back at videos/photos of your DC because you find it too upsetting?

Do your DC look at them or do you think they will when they grow up because if not, then what’s the point?

@GirlCalledJames

A friend of mine feels like this. I understand why. I didn’t realise before I had children that you are continually letting go of a version of them.

I think this is true actually

Oh @clawdy I do understand elements of your post. My DS was such a confident and open little boy, then life happens.
I recently saw a video of my 3 from about 15 years ago and at the end my DH asked them to say goodbye to mummy as he was sending me the recording. Upon rewatching, as they waved and called "Byebye Mummy", I was in tears, it was like saying goodbye to them as children.
I did love the teen stage as well. 20+, not so much, so far...

No, I love seeing how they've developed and grown into the people they are now.

Also, what with one child having to fight chronic pain and depression- I know how much courage it took to live those years and still laugh and how much it took to hang on and grow into the adult she is. For her little brother I can guess how much courage (never spoken) and generosity it took to live in the shadow of all that, not least because he knew from the age of 10 that he had the same diagnosis.

In the photos, I see all that, and I also see the warmth surrounding them- the adults who were there and supported them and loved them (some of whom are now gone, but not forgotten).

We have a tradition whereby I put up photos from the life of each child in the living room the night before their birthday (about 6 months apart, so they get an equal stint). Even though dd is no longer living at home, she still knows that the night before her birthday I'll be there thinking about her and grateful for all the joy she has given me.

We talk a lot about their childhood, little funny things they said and did. It's all going into family lore, together with memories from my childhood related by older relatives, memories of my mother's childhood as told by her relatives, even some from my grandmother's childhood.

@Dyme - give over, I’m sure the OP is not damaging her children!
I understand what you mean OP, though as others have said, it’s probably more nostalgia than truly upsetting. I like looking at old photos/DVD’s but I do get sad that those days are gone and they have grown up so quickly.

I can’t look at mine either without getting emotional and weeping. You’re not alone OP!

No I look at old photos of me and find it upsetting because I remember how I used to feel fat and horrible but now I think wow I looked great. But I don't find photos of my DCs upsetting, I do find them a bit nostalgic, as their baby days are gone, sort of bitter sweet if that's what you mean?

Hey OP, you have not offended anyone.

My youngest is only 7, I still enjoy looking at her baby/toddler photos as she still is my baby girl in my eyes. She brings so much joy in my life, we love a lot of cuddles and kisses.

I avoid looking at the young pics of my teens (13,14) for different reasons, the pictures bring sadness to me, those were happy kids. They changed for the worst since secondary school, a lot of influence from the school students, they used to be healthy happy children but now I dread to spend weekend with them. For some reason, DD's friends group all suddenly become victim of some sort, you can't be part of the group if you are not miserable with your life.