You have so little time with your children, particularly when they’re younger, so while a family photo session might not be something you’re looking forward to, the results are certainly something you will treasure for years to come.

If you love mantras and tend to use them in your everyday life, here are a few that you can use to get you through your next family photo session.

1. ‘We will only need to hold still for a minute or less’

Your photographer will need less than a minute to get a shot, so don’t worry too much about having to convince your children to sit still. Even when it feels like your family simply isn’t cooperating, your photographer will still know how to get great shots that highlight your unique personalities.

2. ‘The photographer has dealt with worse kids than mine.’

Your family photo session may be the one day that your kids decide to turn up the volume on their personalities, which may seem like a disaster, but the reality is that there’s a good chance your photographer has had to deal with children far more unruly than your own. Their quirky behavior could actually be used to create some fun shots.

3. ‘My husband will get through this’

It’s not uncommon for husbands to complain about having to take family photos but rest assured he will survive. In fact, most men tend to be reluctant to schedule a family photo session because they feel self-conscious in front of the camera. Emphasize the fact that your husband won’t need to sit still in stiff poses and will be able to be his natural self to make him feel more comfortable. Plus, once he sees the results of your shoot, he will be happy he did it.

4. ‘I can trust my photographer’

The best way to enjoy your photo session is to trust that your photographer knows exactly what they’re doing. If you’re working with a photographer that specializes in family sessions, you can be sure that they know exactly how to work with children and get great shots in the midst of any chaos. If your photographer needs any assistance during your shoot, you will be the first person to know.

5. ‘I am relaxed and enjoying myself’

Finding enjoyment during your family photo session sis one way to start changing your mind about them. Focus on relaxing and having fun with your family instead of whether or not your photographer is cursing under their breath. Remember, your photographer will let you know what to do to get the best shots, so enjoy this time with your loved ones.