It’s a well-acknowledged truth that mothers often have a selective memory. The notorious “mom brain” helps us forget the pain of childbirth, the endless sleepless nights, and the physical toll it can take. If we didn’t have this handy feature, who would dare to have more than one child? Honestly, no one.
Thank goodness for nature’s gift of selective memory; sometimes we need to block out the chaos to avoid spending our days in a corner, rocking back and forth. I’m incredibly relieved that I’ve (almost) wiped the memory of accidentally peeing my pants in public from my mind. More than once.
Both my partner and I are grateful that I’ve seemingly forgotten the dark thoughts I had about smothering him with a pillow when he slept soundly through our baby’s cries. And I can only hope that one day I’ll forget the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising teenagers.
Our minds can only handle so much, so we need to be discerning about the memories we keep. Here are a few highlights I hope my selective memory retains:
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The Funny Things My Kids Say
When my oldest was little, he came up with the most amusing names for animals. Gorillas were “geegas,” and rabbits were “hop-hops.” And who could forget the accidental curse words that tumble out of a toddler’s mouth when they spot a fire truck? -
The Peaceful Sight of Sleeping Children
There’s something magical about watching my kids sleep. It’s like a serene moment where everything feels right in the world, as if unicorns are dancing in the distance and glitter is falling from the sky. Given life’s chaos, I want to hold onto that feeling forever. -
Being Home Alone with a Crying Baby
It was overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. Yet, recalling those days inspires me to reach out to new moms, even though I dread phone calls. -
The Stress of Public Tantrums
Because empathy is key. -
Seeing My Partner with Our Children for the First Time
I might have been in a medical whirlwind, but the look on my partner’s face when he first held our sons is a memory I cherish. Although I wouldn’t mind forgetting the doctor’s comment about “a lot of blood.” -
Celebrating When the Kids Finally Go to Bed
There are few moments where I feel in control of this parenting gig, but the sweet silence that follows putting them to bed? That’s pure bliss. -
My Parenting Mishaps
From locking myself out with my infant inside to my son falling from his Bumbo seat—these are not failures, just accidents. Remembering them keeps me humble and stops me from becoming one of those judgmental parents. -
The Little Victories
Amid the chaos of tantrums and guilt over screen time, it’s easy to overlook our wins. Whether it’s listening attentively to a long story about Minecraft or teaching my child to tie their shoes without a meltdown, these small victories are what keep our spirits up.
Memories fade, and sometimes that’s a blessing. Who wouldn’t want to forget the infamous “Poopgate 2014”? However, there are moments I hope to remember, as they may one day turn into amusing stories to share.
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Summary: This piece discusses the selective memories of mothers, highlighting the precious moments worth remembering amidst the chaos of parenting. From the funny things children say to the peaceful sight of them sleeping, it emphasizes the importance of both victories and failures in the parenting journey.