What is a Project 52?
A Project 52 (P52) is typically a personal photography project, which involves taking one photo every week for a year. Photographers often do P52s as a way of challenging themselves, honing their skills and stretching their creativity.
This P52 is different. It does involve taking photos, but my focus is to help you to make memories with your child, and capturing those precious moments, so that they stay with you forever. But more importantly, so that moment is captured for your child, who quite possibly won’t remember it otherwise. Memories (especially early childhood memories) are often captured for us…parents capture the moment and relay it to the child in the future; when looking through old photos and telling stories of things that have happened while our children are too young to remember it themselves. These become precious bonding moments, that children get so much joy from.
So, every week for the whole of 2022, I will provide an activity for you to do with your little one. At the end, you will have captured this year in a beautiful & meaningful way, that is unique and personal to you and your loved ones. I will be doing this alongside you with my own children, as I truly believe that capturing their childhood in a fun and engaging way is so important, as it tells their story whilst creating precious memories for us all to enjoy.
Imagine having a record of the year ahead, captured beautifully through a series of simple & fun activities with your little one, that you can pass on to them when they are older.
In the coming days, I’ll let you know more about the benefits of doing this P52 with me, and also share the details of the first task.
I’m excited to share this journey with you & wish you happy memory catching!
7 Reasons to Join Me in this P52
- It gives you time to connect, enabling you to be in the moment and focused on yourself and your little ones. It can be hard as a parent when we’re doing some many things for our little ones, to make time to do things with them. I’m re-claiming Sundays for my family, & dedicating Sunday to family fun & adventures. You could do the same, or just do these as you go along, whatever works for you! The best thing is that you don’t have to do any planning… you get to have fun with your loved ones without having to wrack your brain (or Google) for activities each week.
- Each activity is an experience. Every activity is a mini-experience for you to make your own & have fun with! Enjoy the activity itself & the time with your little one. Keep it simple or go as big as you like…this is your time and your memories with your little sweethearts, make it whatever you want it to be! Each activity will come with tips on how to keep it simple or go big. These aren’t one-size-fits all…they’re specifically designed to flex to fit you!
- Tell your story, your way: You get to tell your story of 2022, in a unique & meaningful way for you and your loved ones. I guarantee that every single person that does this challenge will have completely different memories and images at the end of it! You will be able to look back on it and pinpoint when your little one reached a particular milestone, or just reminisce about the fun you had together. How often do you get a chance to capture a year without getting sucked down the rabbit hole of trying to choose from the hundreds of photos on your phone (how can you choose when they’re ALL SO CUTE!!)?!!
- Capturing things we might otherwise miss: Sometimes we remember the smallest, funniest little details about something. A smell, a look, a taste, something silly that someone said…that really loud snort-laugh in public! My littlest says the most hilarious and unexpected things sometimes, and that single moment is both a joy and a treasure to capture and re-live. This P52 will help re-frame the way that you look at the little things and help you to capture things that you might otherwise have missed.
- It’s something fun to look forward to: Sometimes life with littles becomes a blur from one task to the next, especially when they’re tiny & life revolves around feeds, changes and sleeps. You do not have to make big plans for this, you have all week to do it, and you won’t get side-tracked by that unexpected but inevitable poonami.
- The decision making & research is done for you! Having to think, plan & decide can be tough when you’re constantly distracted by the everyday. This P52 is so simple. An activity each week, tips on how to do it, quality time with your little one & beautiful memories at the end of it…sign me up!!
- You don’t need specialist skills: You do not need to be a creative genius or expert photographer for this (if you need those skills, come to me lol!). Whilst most P52s are purely about photography, mine isn’t. This is all about experiences and creating memories with your little ones, which just happen to be captured using photography (among other things). At the end of this, you will have a treasure trove of memories from this year, and will be raring to do it all again next year when you see how easy, fun and meaningful it is!
Top Tips For A Successful P52
- Create a dedicated time each week for the activities
- Plan ahead & make sure you have any materials needed for the activity. I plan to gather any materials needed during the week and do the activity at the weekend. You might do something similar if that works for you.
- Create a separate folder in your phone and tag your P52 images into it as you go along, so that when you’re ready to print and collate it all, you have everything in one place. If you have created a dedicated time per week for the P52, it will become second nature to you.
- Know what your goal is for the P52. How are you going to capture it? For example, I have chosen a 52 image photo frame for displaying the images (one per week / experience), and a 60 page A3 scrapbook for capturing more detail around the memories (I may actually do two scrapbooks, so that each of my children can have one).
- Don’t worry if you miss a week. Life is messy and hectic. Life with littles even more so (in the best possible way!). Be kind to yourself…if you miss a week, try to do two activities the following week.
- Be flexible. If you are busy with family…immerse yourself in that and capture something to do with that. If you’re away on holiday, capture those moments either as part of a weekly activity, or just on it's own. For example a handprint activity, could easily be handprints in the sand at the beach, or a mashed avocado handprint on a plate from baby’s first meal!
- Firsts. If your baby has a first…capture it. In any way that makes sense to you. This isn’t a script…it’s your life, your experiences & your memories...your little one will love them & will thank you later!!
Week 1 : Handprints
Our very first activity is capturing your little one’s or family’s handprints.
I’m personally doing handprints of our whole family, so that we have the perspective of how small our little ones’ hands are compared to ours. I’m doing ours with a paint print set, but you can use an inkless handprint kit if paint isn’t suitable for your little one, or if messy isn’t your thing.
We might even get a little creative and make some homemade art with handprints surrounded by a heart made from fingerprints, which will make a great greetings card or gift for someone special.
Another take on this is to buy an extra wide canvas and add your little one’s handprint each month as they grow, so that they have a very personal piece of art when they’re older.
Or you could go much bigger and get your handprints cast in plaster or bronze…either just for baby or for the whole family.
Don’t forget to take a photo of your little showing off their messy hands…if they’re anything like mine, they’ll relish the opportunity to get stuck in & messy!
I’m doing three things with this:
- Family handprints in a frame for the wall
- Family handprints in the scrapbook with captions and quotes
- Photo of the activity in the photo frame & scrapbook*
*I’m using an A3 scrapbook & a 52 image photo frame to capture our P52 this year, so that we have a memory each week for the wall, and a scrapbook filled with memories and momentos of 2022.
Week 2 : So Funny!
What makes your little one laugh? If your sweetheart is tiny, capture those first smiles and what is making them smile. Is it a smile from Mummy, is it a funny noise by a sibling, cuddles with Daddy? Whatever it is, capture it.
For not-so-littles I don’t mean just a smile…I mean those gorgeous belly laughs! Those head back, legs in the air, tears in your eyes, ‘this is so hilarious’ laugh out loud belly laughs that are simply contagious.
Capture that smile! And record that gorgeous sound…a video clip or voice note will bring a smile to you (and your little one when they’re not so little anymore).
Week 3 : Sleeping Beauty
This week’s task requires zero effort.
OK, zero additional effort.
Whether your bedtime routine is simply feed, burp, sleep, or a little more involved (7 bedtime stories, multiple reminders to brush teeth, 2 trips downstairs for a drink of water & 17 requests for a snack) this task is simple.
Once you’ve got the ‘getting to sleep’ part done (as you do every night), this week’s task is simply to capture the blissful sleeping beauty that is your little one. Try to memorise how it feels to hold your sleeping little one. Take a photo. And then enjoy some sleeping baby snuggles.
This time is so precious. And fleeting. And quiet!! Enjoy :)
Week 4 : Bundles of Joy
This week’s task is a breath of fresh air.
Literally!
Several breaths actually.
There are so many many benefits for our physical and mental health to be gained from being outdoors. Even if it's only for a little while. So while the weather is chilly but clear, let's bundle up & get outside for a change of scenery and some fresh air.
The destination is your choice. The objective is simply to be in the moment with your little one. So whether it's bundled up snuggles on a park bench, sharing a slide at the playground or races along a country path...go wherever your mood takes you, do whatever you feel like and have fun!
Don't forget to capture it...even if it's a quick selfie together at the end of an energetic spin together. Capture the joy on your faces!
Happy memory making with your bundle(s) of joy!
Week 5 : Chinese New Year
This week is Chinese New Year.
Happy New Year to all who are celebrating!
There are so many directions that this week's activity could go in. From simply photographing your little one wearing / holding / with something red, to all out celebrating Chinese New Year.
Some activities you could try are:
- Read a story: Family time is hugely important and a wonderful opportunity for some quiet quality time with your little one(s). Some ideas for fun Chinese New Year stories include: How To Catch A Dragon, Ruby's Chinese New Year or Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas.
- 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. So how about some tiger themed craft / colouring activities? Dragons are thought to bring good luck, so a Chinese dragon to craft or colour is another fun option.
- Food is an amazing way for families to connect and bond...how about trying something new?
Whatever you choose for your activity this week, don't forget to capture it (and save the crafts / colouring pages if you're also scrapbooking).
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead!
Happy memory making!
Week 6 : Growing Together
This week is Children's Mental Health Week, with the theme of 'Growing Together'.
There are so many things that can fit this theme, depending on the age of your little one. And of course, children's & parental well-being go hand-in-hand. So here are some ideas for you and your little one(s) this week:
- Create your own Inspiration & Motivation Wall: Design / make / buy posters to frame in the nursery, playroom, bedroom, study area or wherever you like, for your little one to see every day & remind them of how much they can already do, how much they are growing and how to manage challenges. There are so many inspirational quotes out there: Google 'growth mindset quotes' or 'growth mindset posters' & create something special.
- Create a calm corner: A little space just for you and your littles, where you can go to share some calm moments. Make it as cosy & peaceful as you like...I'm thinking lots of throw pillows, & blankets, a tent or spare sofa. Fill this with puzzles, quiet games, story books or calming music that you enjoy. Make this a space to escape and re-connect, even if it's just for a much-needed cuddle.
- Affirmations: positive self-talk is such a helpful thing for everyone. Think of how you want your little one to think of themselves and find short phrases that mean something to you both for your little one to hear / day every day. I am brave, I am kind, I am capable, I can achieve anything etc. Then find some phrases that embody what kind of parent you want to be and tell yourself those every day too. Some examples: I'm doing great! It's hard but I'm doing this. I learn more every day. Every day is a blessing.
- Baby Yoga: If being physical is your idea of me-time, then try Baby Yoga at home or at a class to help you both feel more connected.
As always, don't forget to capture your activity (and repeat & enjoy on a regular basis).
Wishing you and your loved ones good mental health!
Happy memory making!
Week 7 : Random Acts of Kindness
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is celebrated around the world, bringing surprise and joy to those we love, know or even complete strangers.
Kindness is so simple and easy, and yet day to day frustrations can rob us of the joy of doing something kind just because. It’s a wonderful thing to be more mindful of and especially to model for our children.
So, let’s go have some fun & make someone else’s day!
As my children are old enough to understand the concept and help with the planning, we are doing it together. The fact that it’s half term makes it a little easier & more fun too.
Some of the options on our list are paying for a soft play ticket for a child in our local area, paying for the next child in line at the cinema, handing out balloons, slipping appreciation notes in their friend’s school bags etc.
Even something as simple as a surprise visit to a loved one or an unexpected card letting someone know how much they appreciate them.
Whether it’s a card, drawing, surprise visit…capture that memory!
Wishing you kindness every day!
Happy memory making!
Week 8 : It's a Puzzle!
From shape sorters to Jenga to jigsaws, life is filled with puzzles and problems to solve.
An activity like this with your little one is a wonderful way to get some quality time together. Whether that’s finding the right shape, completing the jigsaw or toppling that tower, there’s lots of fun to be had!
If your little is very little, try baby sensory flash cards & see how your baby responds.
Don’t forget to capture the joy on their little face(s) when they achieve their objective!
Happy memory making!
Week 9 : A World of Books!
Today is World Book Day! I LOVE books & adore reading, so of course, I just had to base this week’s activity on books!
The thing that I love about books, is that you can incorporate them into your life in so many ways, regardless of whether or not you are an avid reader. From dressing up as favourite characters, to reading together, listening to an audio book, acting out a scene from your favourite book, or seeing a play based on it. There are so many ways that you could make this activity really simple or very elaborate. Now is a great time to visit a library with your little one, or take them to the book store to use the World Book Day book token!
I have a few things planned for my little sweethearts over the next few days…a treasure hunt at home to find new books that I’ve dotted around the house; their school is having their WBD character dress-up day tomorrow & at the weekend we’re going to attempt the Gruffalo Walk (depending on how muddy it gets)!
Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your precious time together!
Happy memory making!
Ps. If you forgot about Pancake Day or are planning to go all out on pancakes this weekend, why not incorporate some stories about pancakes? Some suggestions… Mr Wolf's Pancakes, Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes or The Runaway Pancake.
Week 10 : Ring the Bell
A few weeks ago my children came across a bell that was left over from Christmas.
They played a game all week with it. Either one could ring the bell whenever they chose. When the bell rings, they have 5 minutes to think of and do something kind for each other, and they meet back in 5 minutes to share with each other. It was a week full of love and laughter and siblings appreciating each other.
Try it with your little one(s). If they’re very little, let them ring the bell & give them a kiss or cuddle or tickle when they do & see what happens.
I think I might keep the bell around for a lot longer!
Don’t forget to capture the joy!
Happy Memory Making!
Week 11 : Shadows
We have been blessed with glorious spring weather this week, and we’ve been sure to make the most of it!
My littlest likes to race his shadow, and it made me think about all of the ways that we have had fun together with shadows. Whether these are shadow puppets on the wall, or your own shadows outside on a beautiful day, there’s lots of fun to be had with your little one.
This week we’ve been trying to line up our shadows to take a shadow family photo (which is super-tricky when the shadows giggle and run away!).
We may switch ours to shadow puppet theatre instead of a story at bedtime.
Whatever you choose, have lots of fun & don’t forget to soak up and capture those memories!
Enjoy!
Week 12 : Selfie!
Sunday March 26th is Mother’s Day. There are so many ways to mark this special day and the amazing bond between mother and child.
So this week’s activity is pure & simple. Take a selfie with your littles. Not great at selfie’s? No problem…ask someone else to take it for you.
Is your little one a little older? Let them take the photo.
Take the photo doing whatever you like, with the ones you love!
I try to do this every year…on Mother’s Day and on my birthday, and love love love looking back on these special moments with my little ones. I hope you do too!
If you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, enjoy your special day!
Week 13 : April Showers
The weather has been quite the topic of conversation recently, with storms, sunshine, rain and snow. It certainly feels like we’ve had a little of everything!
Getting outdoors is such a great thing to do with little ones, and with spring appearing and the magnolia & cherry blossom in full bloom there’s a lot to see.
This week’s activity is to get outside in the fresh air. Whatever the weather, let your little one enjoy the elements…whether that’s jumping in puddles, feeling the rain on their face, feeling the breeze in their hair or just seeing the different colours, trees and flowers.
Enjoy these moments! And don’t forget to capture those memories!
Week 14 : So Tasty!
My littlest loves their food and is incredibly creative with flavours. I’m certainly not nearly as creative or inventive, so it’s quite something to watch.
Which made me think about food and the emotions and memories that it can evoke.
So this week’s activity is all about food. If your little one isn’t yet eating solids, no problem! Think about your favourite foods during pregnancy, or any cravings you had. Or anything your baby loves you to eat.
For older babies and small children it’s all about favourites. What do they absolutely love? Is there anything that they eat in a specific way…bread buttered both sides, only the crusts, custard doughnuts with crushed prawn cocktail crisps sprinkled on top? That last one is a real creation!
Take photos of your little one enjoying their favourites. Or if you’re still expecting, does your little one respond in a certain way when you eat particular foods?
Record it your way…photos, video, audio, a record in your baby book etc.
Capture those memories while they’re fresh & enjoy the moment!
Week 15 : Easter Treasure
Treasure hunts are a big thing in our family. Whether it’s a hunt for birthday presents, favourite snacks on a rainy day, key pieces for a favourite game; treasure hunts fill our house with joy.
Easter is the perfect time for an Easter egg hunt.
Of course, older children love finding things themselves, but even babies just starting to sit or crawl can join in the fun. I use the same re-fillable eggs each year (in a bid to be kinder to the environment, I’m re-using ones that I’ve had for years).
I fill each one with a clue, but when my littles were very small I would fill them with little snacks or sensory toys / activities. Our clues lead to a hamper filled with Easter themed activities…arts & crafts, favourite Easter foods & recipes & story books.
Keep the clues, take some photos, be in the moment & enjoy making those memories!
p.s. I’m posting this a little early as my own Easter treat is time off with my little ones and I’m definitely going to treasure it!
Week 16 : Rest!
If your Easter was anything like ours, then you might be looking forward to a nice rest! “What’s that?” you say…”I’m a parent!”
I know exactly what you mean! You’ll notice that I didn’t say sleep! LOL!
This is your chance to slow things right down and just relax & rest with your little one. Create a relaxing space and just snuggle up together and enjoy the silence. Who knows…maybe your little one might even doze off (bonus!!).
Close your eyes and see what your little one does. How do they react? Really think about how it feels to just be with your little one with no other goal than just resting. The dishes, laundry, groceries etc can all wait…even if just for a few minutes.
If your little one finds it tricky being still, try whispering something to them. This always works a treat with my littles…they’re so curious and stop to hear what’s being said.
Take a photo or video to capture the moment.
Enjoy the peace and quiet & REST!!
Week 17 : Spring
Spring is one of my favourite times of year…seeing everything waking up after a long winter sleep is something quite special!
All the colours & smells and sounds are so wonderful and welcome!
This is a perfect time to get out into nature and enjoy a walk with your little one.
If you can…take a photo of you both near cherry blossom, magnolias, daffodils or bluebells. Or whatever really represents Spring to you, so that when you look back on it, you’ll remember when the photo was taken and how old (roughly) your precious little one was.
Happy memory making!
Week 18 : Puddles
This week’s activity ties in with last week’s as the weather is very mixed at the moment...a Spring walk can quite quickly become a hasty retreat from a sudden downpour. But it doesn’t have to.
I keep a pair of wellies in my car for my littlest one, as the mere sight of a puddle signals some primal need to jump right in! I have lost count of the number of times that my sweet little adventurer has jumped in feet first and become absolutely soaked…but the joy on that sweet little face is absolutely priceless!
So this week’s task is to let go and enjoy those puddles! Pack those wellies & puddle suit and let your little one jump to their heart’s content. If your little is too little for this (and you’re feeling adventurous), you could do the jumping! Little ones love to be held close while you jump around. If you don’t like to be cold and wet (I certainly don’t)…investment in some neoprene lined wellies can make all the difference. And my children absolutely adore it when I jump into the fun with them (pun intended).
Don’t forget to capture the joy…memories like this are priceless, and your little one will treasure them!
Enjoy!
Week 19 : The Gruffalo
I just realised that there seems to be a bit of a theme in my recent activities…they all involve me getting out and about with my little ones as much as possible. This one isn’t actually about going outside, so bear with me 😊
We recently discovered the Gruffalo Trail near us and are absolutely LOVING spending as much of our free time there as possible. The trail is an exciting adventure for my little ones, as the Gruffalo is a family favourite. Following the paths through woodlands to find their favourite characters is such a peaceful and fun way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Which made me think about capturing characters that your children love right now. It doesn’t have to be the Gruffalo…it could be Bluey, Peppa Pig or Disney characters. The activity simply centres around capturing the joy that the character gives to your child. Are they obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine? Capture photos of them in their favourite Thomas themed bedding & PJs. Or take them to Thomas Land and see their little faces light up with the joy of seeing & riding in the engines!
If your little one is very little…do they have a favourite snuggle toy or comforter? Something that they take everywhere with them, or just won’t sleep without? Capture them with it! They may not remember that attachment when they are older and it’s such an important memory to have.
And the item itself can go into their memory box for when they’re older!
Happy memory making!