Playtime

As the year comes to a close and families gather to celebrate the holidays and the close of a great year, we wanted to take a warm moment to learn more about a member of our community. We spoke with Shay, the mother and photographer behind the Instagram @playfulmodernkids, to learn more about her, her family, and the content they create together.

As a well known photographer and creative in the kids’ fashion and lifestyle industry, you’re likely already familiar with the stunning images Shay creates with her family. Having visited Playtime & Kid’s Hub New York for several seasons now, they’ve become staples at the show! Let’s dive into Shay’s vision of childhood with a beautiful editorial she photographed and her thoughtful reflections on motherhood and content creation.

Can you please introduce yourself and your family?

Hi, my name is Shanlynne, but for short it’s Shay. My husband is Francisco and we have two kiddos, Adonay and Adonis. We are a multicultural family with Filipino and Salvadoran heritage.

How did you start creating content on social media?

I actually started creating back in high school. I had a cheap camera and took pictures of everyone and everything, and I always loved sharing my art with others. So I’ve been making art since I was little, I just found more passion in photography and writing. On Instagram, I started posting using my old phone and capturing our journey as a young family with the handle @playfulmodernkids.

What type of content do you like to curate?

I love to find the balance of beauty in everyday life, regardless of what you might be going through. I think if we all took the time to slow down and look at things differently… we would all be artists. If I could say what kind of style I have as a photographer, I would say it’s “grudge” or just real life.

How would you describe your visual eye as a photographer?

I love realness. There is too much “fake” right now, we need more of the moment.

How would you describe your vision of childhood?

My partner and I grew up worlds apart. But we both went through similar childhoods. We both came from broken homes and lonely childhoods. The childhood we are providing for our two boys is the childhood I always wished for. A childhood for me is making endless moments of laughter and love. Being understood and valued.

That’s a beautiful way to raise your sons.

What are your essential products you always have with you for your kids?

Well, my boys are basically preteens now. They love bringing along stuffed toys and a sketchbook, or sometimes a comic book to read.

What do you think is one of the most challenging things about being a parent?

Patience! Just having patience and learning to understand emotions. I didn’t have someone to help me regulate my emotions growing up, so learning how to now is helping me teach my own children.

What is some advice you can give to fellow parents?

Being a younger mom, has taught me more about myself than if I had had kids in my late 20’s like a lot of other people do. I didn’t have all the answers in the beginning. But that’s the amazing part of parenthood. We don’t have to be perfect… it’s not supposed to be. Be present. Be the love you always wanted for yourself as a child. Grow and be a better version of yourself, and you’ll be the best parent.

What is your favorite way to spend time as a family?

We are a simple family. We all enjoy art and just being silly together. A typical day for us is heading into the city and eating different food in Chinatown. Checking out new mangas at the bookstore, or going to Chinatown for a boba tea and collecting some gashapon.

How will you be spending the holiday season?

We don’t have much family, but we do our best to make every year special for our two kiddos. I honestly don’t think our kids care too much about gifts… Even though I spoil them, they just like us being together. I usually cook up a traditional kamayan, but this year my husband would like us to cook a traditional Salvadoran dish called Pan con Pollo Salvadoreño.

What is something we can expect to discover on your social media next year?

I want to do more of what I like, but mix it with motherhood. I want to build a bigger connection and community with other moms. I’d love to do more writing and help other artists feel inspired in a more natural way.

Which brands are featured in this editorial?

Some of my favorite brands, The Campamento, Sticky Lemon, and Letter to the World. I love playful yet stylish these brands are! I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon. 😉

Thank you so much to Shay for sharing this motherhood moment with us! As a stunning photographer, thoughtful content creator, and, above all, a mother, we’ve loved learning more about her style and sentiments. We can’t wait to see what’s next from her, Francisco, Adonay and Adonis! Make sure to follow along on Instagram by following @playfulmodernkids. Not to spoil any surprises, but something tells us there will be content from Playtime & Kid’s Hub New York coming soon…