Kids have funny ways of remembering things. They might cling to a random event from when they were toddlers but can’t recall where they left their shoes just moments ago. My 5-year-old daughter often brings up the time Daddy accidentally set the popcorn on fire, yet she completely forgets the countless movie nights filled with perfectly popped kernels. If only we could curate their memories—keeping the bedtime stories while letting go of the chaotic mornings. Here are 12 things I hope my kids will cherish and 12 I hope they’ll let fade away.
12 Memories I Hope My Kids Keep
- The delightful afternoons at the playground, where I remembered to pack water, snacks, and extra clothes, leading to a day filled with joy. (And not the frantic moment when one child darted towards the street while the other ran the opposite way, prompting me to scream and dash after them, fumbling my words as I threw them in the car.)
- The peaceful walks to school, hand in hand, as we admired the beautiful autumn leaves. (Not the day when I lost my cool in the hallway, yelling, “GET YOUR ^&%$ING SHOES ON OR ELSE!”)
- The time my 3-year-old accidentally spilled juice, and I calmly reassured him, “No worries, accidents happen.” (Not the moment I shouted, “FOR GOODNESS SAKE,” as he cried, “It was an accident!” and I felt like I had kicked a puppy.)
- That rare occasion I actually styled my hair and wore clothes that matched. (Not the countless mornings I scrambled eggs in my pajamas, wondering if I even brushed my teeth.)
- The sweet moments when I gently kissed minor scrapes and placed superhero Band-Aids on tiny boo-boos. (And not the time I told him to “just shake it off” when he had a broken toe.)
- The creative lunches with crustless sandwiches shaped like stars and pancakes made to look like the Eiffel Tower. (Not the nights when cheese sticks and instant oatmeal were dinner because I forgot to shop before a storm—or, you know, just forgot to shop.)
- The single instance I planned ahead, packing everyone’s lunches and laying out clothes the night before. (Not the many frantic mornings we rushed out the door, still munching on breakfast.)
- The times I remembered to pack all the lunches. (Not the occasions I had to turn around halfway to school, grumbling under my breath for the forgotten lunches.)
- The Thanksgiving dinners where everything was perfectly set, with a feast of colorful dishes. (Not the year I ended up with a beautifully decorated table—minus the turkey because it never thawed in time.)
- The nights I read our favorite book all the way through, even when the tempting dessert and my favorite show were calling. (Not the times I sped through a book in under a minute because I was too tired to focus.)
- The Halloween I crafted an elaborate costume and enjoyed trick-or-treating for hours. (Not the year I slapped some duct tape together and called it a robot costume, sending him out with instructions to come home before dark.)
So, here’s my heartfelt wish: may my kids remember the joyful moments and the times I truly shined as a parent—while forgetting the times I lost my patience in traffic or all the mornings we rushed around like headless chickens.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out our related articles on pregnancy and family life. You can find an excellent resource at the World Health Organization regarding pregnancy here. And if you’re considering starting a family, visit this site for an authoritative guide on at-home insemination.
Summary
This article humorously reflects on the memories a parent hopes their children remember versus the chaotic moments they wish to forget. It highlights the importance of cherishing joyful experiences while recognizing the reality of parenting’s ups and downs.