I’m not a parent, but i have been a nanny to three amazing kiddos for five years, and if it has taught me anything, it’s that children almost never smile when you ACTUALLY want them too! It’s almost like when a camera comes out, they do it on purpose. Not to mention when it’s a professional camera? Here comes a fit! It feels like a smile is never going to happen!!

That’s why I’ve come up with some surprisingly simple ways to get the best and sweetest authentic smile from your kiddos.

1. Rock, Paper, Scissors!

This works best for a sibling duo, *especially* for two brothers. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?

2. Airplane!

This one can change the game when you have a small kiddo who just refuses to look at the camera! Instead of looking into a lens, they get to focus on the parent flying them around!

3. Tickle Fight!

The tickle fight is a go-to when it comes to getting a genuine smile for a reason! It’s almost impossible to not catch adorable laughs and authentic smiles during a tickle fight.

4. Tag, you’re it!

Maybe, just maybe, you have a little one that just needs to get some of that energy out. What better way to do that than play tag?! Lots of laughs, tons of smiles, and plenty of adorable pictures here we come!

5. All the hugs!

Last, but certainly no least… ALL. THE. HUGS! Who doesn’t smile when getting a hug? It’s the best way to get the most precious little smiles.

WAIT! I have *even more* great news! All of these little games? Kiddos love them SO MUCH that we can keep on going and get cutest photos EVER! (Heres another quick bonus: Your kiddo is in a great mood, and now we get genuine smiles all session long!)

There you have it! Get ready to have amazing photos of your little one that you can treasure for years to come!