EACH WEEK, A different Irish parent chats us through a family photo from Instagram and explains what was really going on outside the frame – from tantrums to toilet disasters.

Fancy taking part? Email amy@thejournal.ie with a few lines about yourself and your kids for a chance to feature.

Jen Ryan Jen Ryan

This week, Jen Ryan (@thescenicroutebyjen) shared an adorable snap of her son Alex struggling with the realities of being a superhero.

Tell us a bit about this photo. What inspired you to take it?

The photo features my two-year-old, Alex, cleverly disguised as Batman. It’s a tough job being Batman – I’m sure you’ll appreciate! It’s a lot of responsibility, but he was doing such a good job I thought I’d document his superhero work.

What’s one thing that’s going on in this photo that you wouldn’t know from looking at it?

It was a tough day at the ‘office’. Batman wanted to jump off the chair, then jump off the table we were sitting at, but I, as his chief advisor and mother, decided that may not be wise. Batman was not pleased. 

Did it take many attempts to get the right shot?

Not really, thankfully he was so busy trying to plot what else he might jump off he didn’t even notice the camera.

What do you love about this photo? 

I love everything about this photo, but my favourite is the angry little lip sticking out. Batman does not take instruction very well! 

How well does this photo reflect your family life in general?

It sums it up perfectly. Life with two boys (by day, Rian and Alex, by other days, Batman and Robin) is lots and lots of chaotic fun, energy and adventure. There’s nothing I love more than seeing them use their imagination and having fun together. Long may it last!

Seeing them find fun in such simple things makes me realise just what’s important to them. They can find fun in anything, whether you spend a fortune on fancy toys or go for a walk in the woods. Adventure is always there for the taking – you just have to know where to look!