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.

Kristina Leonard Kristina Leonard

This week, Kristina Leonard (@transatlantic_leonards) chatted us through a photo from a recent family holiday.

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

We travel as often as we can with our twins who are five-years-old, preferring off the beaten path destinations. This photo shows a happy and carefree family taking in a gorgeous sunset overlooking Chefchaouen, Morocco. 

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

How many times our son begged to be carried because it was quite a long walk to this scenic view point, or how many times our daughter reminded us that we promised them ice cream if they climbed up all the steps with us. So many times in fact, that I threatened to withhold the ice cream if she didn’t stop. 

Did it take many attempts to get the right shot?

When we arrived at this spot the kids absolutely refused to sit for photos and instead asked to take control of the camera. They took turns taking a bunch of shots and then a kind stranger offered to take a photo of the four of us. After just one capture the kids were off our laps again and ready for their promised ice cream.

Do you have a family photo from Instagram with a great behind-the-scenes story?

The day at the beach when the little one ingested a mouthful of sand – or the smiley photo taken just minutes after a tantrum? If so, we want to hear from you! Email amy@thejournal.ie with a few lines about yourself and your kids for a chance to feature in What You Don’t See Here.

More: ‘He had no interest at first’: Nichole shares how she finally scored a smile for the camera