Odd post but can we talk about kids who can't smile?

I was taking their pictures yesterday for their holiday gifts and I had a GOOD number of 6 year olds who can't smile. Seriously, I was telling them to make the face they would make if Santa brought them a puppy and I'd get That's not a smile.

It is my personal mystery. Do they not know how?

Re: Odd post but can we talk about kids who can't smile?

tee hee! I always found that they did this: with the sides cut off--like they were just showing their teeth and their lips didn't bend on the sides. (does that make sense?)

Re: Odd post but can we talk about kids who can't smile?

All kidding aside, I think they don't know how to fake happy--their happy faces are genuine in the moment and they can't reenact it for a picture. So innocent!

Re: Odd post but can we talk about kids who can't smile?

I totally see what you are saying. But some of my kids can't even open their mouths! It's bizaare! Maybe their families just don't take pictures so they aren't used to smiling for the camera.