WHY IT MATTERS
Childhood contains experiences whose value comes partly from being spontaneous, private and free from adult commercial expectations. Constant filming can transform ordinary play, holidays, celebrations and family time into production opportunities.
1. PROTECT FREE PLAY
Children need time with no filming, scripts or objectives.
2. LET HOLIDAYS BE HOLIDAYS
Trips shouldn’t become continuous production schedules.
3. KEEP SOME BIRTHDAYS PRIVATE
Celebrations should primarily belong to the child, not the audience.
4. PROTECT FRIENDSHIPS
Children need social experiences that aren’t automatically filmed.
5. DON’T RECREATE MOMENTS
If the camera missed something, allow the moment to remain missed.
6. KEEP FAMILY MEALS NORMAL
Ordinary routines shouldn’t constantly become scenes.
7. ALLOW BOREDOM
Children don’t need to be entertaining all the time.
8. PROTECT SPONTANEITY
Not every adventure needs planning around thumbnails and footage.
9. CREATE COMPLETELY OFFLINE MEMORIES
Some experiences should exist only in the family’s memory.
10. REMEMBER CHILDHOOD IS FINITE
There is no opportunity to repeat these years once they’re gone.
BOTTOM LINE
A childhood spent creating memories for strangers can leave too little childhood simply lived for itself.