Since welcoming two children into my life, I’ve noticed significant changes in my cognitive processes. There are definitely upsides and downsides to this new reality. For instance, I excel at multitasking more than ever, but I often forget nearly half of what I intended to accomplish. Thankfully, I’ve also become more forgiving of myself. My maternal mind juggles so many thoughts daily that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are ten ways my brain has transformed since motherhood:
- Increased Forgetfulness: My forgetfulness has reached new heights. I once left a bag of groceries—my only bag—on the checkout counter and walked home, only to be chased by a cashier shouting, “Ma’am! Your groceries!” Additionally, I often mix up my children’s names, even though one is a baby boy and the other is a 5-year-old girl. My train of thought derails mid-sentence, and I find myself wondering, what was I saying?
- Heightened Anxiety Levels: Caring for two children is far more challenging than it appears. They seem to catch every illness imaginable and engage in daring escapades that make my heart race. Just the other day, my baby tried to eat a cat hairball, and I was relieved, thinking it was poop at first. If they aren’t exploring dangerous situations, they’re often screaming for no apparent reason, making me worry something is terribly wrong.
- Tendency Toward Panic: My mind races with worries—“Is that an unguarded staircase? A spider lurking around? An unexpected visitor?”
- Enhanced Tolerance for Exhaustion: I survived an entire year on minimal sleep, a feat I would have deemed impossible pre-kids. Back then, I would have canceled plans at the mere thought of exhaustion. Now, I push through sleepless nights, knowing I’ll manage, even if it’s not glamorous. Coffee and large sunglasses have become my reliable companions.
- Desensitized to Grossness: My threshold for grossness has shifted dramatically. Green snot? Poop? Clogged hair in the drain? None of it phases me anymore. I’ve encountered it all, even when I didn’t want to. Need help with unpleasant tasks? Just call on a mom—though I might be too busy to assist.
- Constantly Juggling Tasks: My mind is perpetually occupied with a long list of chores I should be tackling instead of what I’m currently doing. Take out the trash, do the laundry, ensure the clean laundry doesn’t develop that awful smell, unload the dishwasher, and keep track of my grocery list. But instead, I often find myself sidetracked by other tasks.
- Always Two Steps Ahead: I’ve developed a knack for anticipating chaos—catching flying vomit, preventing spills, and stopping my baby from tumbling down the stairs. I’m constantly on alert, like a protective animal, but my goal is simply to keep my children safe.
- Difficulty Relaxing: I find it hard to unwind without some assistance—namely, a glass of wine.
- Dependence on Coffee: Waking up isn’t just difficult; it’s virtually impossible without coffee or the inevitable feet in my face. I prefer the former.
- Emotional Connection to My Children’s Well-Being: My emotional state is deeply intertwined with my children’s moods. I can be having a fantastic day, but if one of my kids has a meltdown, it can change everything. Conversely, even on tough days, two cheerful kids can lift my spirits.
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In summary, motherhood significantly alters cognitive processing, emotional responses, and daily functioning. While it comes with its challenges, the rewards of parenting often outweigh the struggles.