Children’s memories are fascinatingly unpredictable. They might cling to a moment from their toddler years while forgetting where they left their shoes just minutes ago. My 4-year-old daughter often talks about the time I overcooked spaghetti two years back, but she can’t seem to recall the countless delicious meals since then. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could curate their memories? Like, keeping the cozy evenings spent reading but erasing the frantic mornings of rushing out the door? Here are 12 memories I hope my kids cherish and 12 I hope they let fade away.
- The joyful afternoons spent at the playground, where I remembered to pack water bottles, snacks, and extra clothes, and we had the best time. (Not the instance when one child dashed towards the street while the other was distracted, causing me to run after them, yelling and panicking the whole way.)
- The mornings we strolled to school hand in hand, chatting about the beauty of the changing seasons. (Versus that chaotic morning when I yelled, “PUT ON YOUR SHOES NOW OR THEY’RE GOING IN THE TRASH!”)
- The day my little one accidentally knocked over the humidifier, and I calmly reassured him that “it’s alright, accidents happen.” (Instead of the time I lost my cool and shouted, “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?”—leading to tears and my heart sinking.)
- That rare occasion when I actually had my hair done and my outfit matched perfectly. (Not the countless times I scrambled breakfast in pajamas while wondering if I’d even brushed my teeth.)
- The moments I gently cared for their scrapes with superhero Band-Aids. (Not the time I told him to “just shake it off” when he actually had a broken ankle.)
- The fun lunches I made with crusts cut off, sandwiches shaped like animals, and pancakes stacked high. (Unlike those nights of cheese sticks and cereal because I forgot to shop.)
- The instance I was diligently on a call planning enriching activities for them. (Versus the countless hours spent scrolling through social media instead.)
- The one time I prepped all the lunches and laid out clothes the night before. (Not the multiple occasions we dashed out late, still chewing breakfast.)
- All the times I remembered the lunches. (And not the many times I had to turn back halfway to school to fetch the forgotten ones.)
- The Thanksgivings where the table was beautifully decorated, and the food was plentiful and delicious. (Not the year I realized we had an elaborate spread but no turkey because it never thawed.)
- The nights I devoted time to read a full bedtime story, ignoring the distractions calling me. (Not the evenings when I rushed through a story in record time just to get it over with.)
- The Halloween I crafted an elaborate costume and enjoyed a long walk around the neighborhood. (Not the year I wrapped him in duct tape and called it a robot costume with a hasty “be back before dark!”)
So here’s my hope: may my children hold onto the joyful moments, the laughter, and the times when I truly shined as a parent—and forget the road rage, the frantic schedules, and the burnt brownies. For more parenting insights, check out this other blog post, which dives into related topics.
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Summary
Reflecting on parenting, I wish my kids remember the joyful experiences while forgetting the chaotic moments. Highlighting the balance of cherished memories against the less desirable ones can encourage a positive perspective on family life.