1. Find decent natural light, do your photos during the day! Stay out of direct sun. Cloudy days- like today, is the best!
If you are inside- find a window and put your child/children in front of the window or it can be on the side. You stand on the side of them- make sure the light from the window is hitting them.
If you are outside- STAY OUT OF DIRECT SUN!! I REPEAT, NO DIRECT SUN! :)

2. If you want family photos- set your phone on a timer, and jump in!

3. To lighten/edit your photos after taking them- there are a ton of apps to do this. I personally use Lightroom and instasize. They are both pretty easy. Your best bet is instasize!

4. Try not to over edit them, you don't need to do much.
Think: Less is more!

5. Dont stress, if they aren't perfect, if the kids are crying, if they aren't looking! This is all about capturing the moment!!

Hope this helps, if anyone has DIRECT questions- feel free to ask!!!