How to Capture Your Kids’ Growth Over Time

There are days when my kids get up in the morning and I know they grew while they were sleeping. A while back I stumbled onto this frog growth chart at a store I love (Bobby Todd in Sweetwater, TN).

I got it for decorative purposes, but eventually decided to measure the kids and actually write on it to capture their growth. I think it’s neat when you do it on a wall, but what if you have to paint. Or move. Plus, I can take it down and have it as a keepsake later.  (Or, I might need to move it out of Charlie’s room at whatever point he is “too cool” for a froggy growth chart. But, wherever it ends up, I plan to keep on measuring them.)

I have to say the thought of them outgrowing it height-wise seems unfathomable to me. But I know it will happen eventually. Sniff, sniff! Okay, I will quit my snivl’n.

Growth Chart

growth_chart

boys_growth_chart

My daughter has one in her room, with a spot for a picture every foot or so as she grows. I meant to snap a picture of it. Will add that tomorrow. But I prefer this one because I can write on it.

Repetitive Photos

Another thing some people do is take a photo in the same place, at regular intervals. A friend of mine used to have her kids hold a print out with date. I always thought those would be cool as a time-lapse video. But, that would take FOREVER to put together.

There’s even a 365 project you do with your smart phone. Anyone do that?

Anyone have any other ideas for capturing your kids growth?

 

 

5 Responses to How to Capture Your Kids’ Growth Over Time

  1. Angie January 1, 2013 at 10:22 pm #

    I did a 365-project to capture my son’s first year of life (it was a combination of iPhone photos and camera photos). I created a Shuttetfly album with the photos. I’m so glad I did this project – I captured my son’s growth during that first year as well as a lot of firsts!! It was great. We now use a growth chart much like your froggy one – ours has monkeys!

    • Heather January 2, 2013 at 8:57 am #

      Oooooh interesting, Angie! Does it have a time-lapse view option? Can you make it into a little video?

      I bet you were ready for that 365 project to be over by the end. I don’t know if I could remember to take the pictures enough.

  2. Christy Parrott January 5, 2013 at 7:35 am #

    I actually made one – ok its almost finished – that is a quilt-like version. I happened to run across one (and the instructions) online and decided I could do it. If you sew at all it is really easy! It hangs on the wall and when you are finished with it, it can be rolled up and tucked away in a memory box. See the link below!
    http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/10/watch-me-grow-chart.html

    • Heather January 6, 2013 at 6:39 pm #

      Okay, that’s really cute! And you could totally do it to match the scheme in your child’s room or playroom or wherever you hang it. Making it yourself is a really good way to get exactly what you want. Thanks for sharing the idea and the link!
      Happy New Year (It’s the 6th, I guess I should stop saying that now…)
      Heather

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