Ethics/possible issues

As I plan to take photographs of children, obviously I need to be clever in how I go about it. 

Firstly, I don't think it's right nor do I feel comfortable asking strangers if I can take photographs of their children. Although I would reassure them that it's simply for a project and that they would obviously be present whilst I'm photographing their child, I still wouldn't feel comfortable. I think I may feel this due to the fact that ultimately, they will be a stranger, and although I can have their best interests at heart, I might feel as if they don't trust me, which ultimately would be the worst situation to put myself in. Although some parents may enjoy the idea of having someone take photographs of their children for free, which I would of course give them copies of, I think it's too awkward to go ahead with asking strangers.

It is lucky then that I have a large family! In total, there are 9 children aged between 8 years - 6 months old in my close and extended family. Despite the range of ages I have access to, I feel that my nephew's age (now 3) is the best age to focus on. He isn't fully immersed with technology (although he can operate an iPhone pretty well), he still very much so enjoys playing, using make-believe, and has recently started pre-school which has widened his ideas of 'friends' and friendships. Additionally, as he is my nephew, he knows me well, as opposed to my cousin's children who although have met me many times, aren't fully aware of exactly who I am. After all, it was a photograph of my nephew (Arlo) that initially sparked my idea for this project, so using him as my subject only seems right. 

I feel it would be really nice to have images that capture the essence of Arlo's child innocence that I can show him, and ultimately, that he can keep when he grows up.