Every year my mother made us pose in our new school clothes by the front door. She did this until I moved out at the age of 20. Yes, my mother has a picture of me on my first day of college.

By the time I was in 4th grade, I was annoyed at my Mother’s insistence about these photos, but I am so thankful she was persistent. I now have a collection of photos showing all the different hair styles, clothing choices, and even the latest in school supplies.

Last year my daughter started pre-school and I kept the tradition alive and snapped the traditional “by the door” pose on her first day of school.

A few tips:

* try to take the photo in the same spot every year. Like by the front door, on the front steps, in front of the same tree.

* take the photo right after they are dressed and not right before you leave. You may have a messy eater, or a crier.

* Store them all in the same place (like a small photo album of school memories book) because the fun is looking at the progression your children are making.

As the start of the school year is fast approaching I am already looking forward to that first day of school picture.