Since becoming a mother of two, my brain has undergone some serious rewiring. There are definitely ups and downs to this new reality. For instance, I can juggle multiple tasks like a pro now, but I also forget about 40% of what I set out to do. No biggie, though—thankfully, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. With all the chaos swirling around in my mom-brain daily, things can get a bit crowded and wild. Here are 10 ways my mind has transformed since welcoming my little ones:
- Forgetfulness is My New Best Friend. I can effortlessly leave the only bag of groceries I just bought on the counter and stroll home, only to have the cashier chase after me shouting, “Excuse me! Your groceries!” Oh, and I can mix up my kids’ names (one being a baby boy and the other a 5-year-old girl). I often lose my train of thought mid-sentence, and … wait, what was I talking about?
- Anxiety Levels Have Skyrocketed. Caring for two tiny humans and ensuring they stay healthy is far more challenging than it seems. Between their knack for catching every bug under the sun, testing their boundaries with perilous stunts (the baby once tried tasting a cat hairball, and I was relieved it wasn’t poop), and their talent for self-harm, anxiety is my constant companion. When they’re not doing that, they’re wailing for no apparent reason, leaving me in a state of panic.
- Panic can Strike at Any Moment. “Is that an unguarded staircase? A black widow spider lurking? Bill Cosby???”
- I’ve Gained a High Tolerance for Tiredness. I made it through an entire year with hardly any sleep. Pre-kids, I would have canceled everything because, who can function like that? But moms somehow manage. Sleepless nights are still rough, but I know I’ll survive. It may not be glamorous, but coffee and oversized sunglasses have become my trusty allies.
- Grossness? Bring It On! My threshold for gross stuff has reached an all-time high. Green snot? Poop? Hair-clogged drains? No problem! I’ve seen it all, even when I didn’t want to. Need a plumber or a butt-wiper? Call a mom—though I’m busy, so maybe not me.
- I’m Always Juggling 87 Thoughts. I’m constantly aware of all the things I should be doing instead of what I’m actually doing. Take out the trash. Put in a load of laundry. Don’t forget to dry the clean laundry to avoid that musty smell. Unload the dishwasher. Run around looking for my grocery list before giving up and writing a new one. Don’t let the kids turn into zombies by forgetting to turn off the TV. Except … maybe I can just get a little bit more done first …
- I’m Always 14 Steps Ahead. I’m like a ninja mom, catching flying vomit and grabbing cups of water before they end up on the floor. I swoop in to save the baby from tumbling down the stairs or smashing his fingers in the door (again). Basically, I’m anticipating his every move like a motherly jaguar—minus the eating part. My goal is to protect him.
- Relaxation Requires Assistance. I find it challenging to unwind without a little something. You guessed it—I’m talking about wine!
- Waking Up is a Struggle. Coffee is a must, or else I’ll be dealing with little feet in my face. I definitely prefer the coffee, though.
- My Emotions are Tied to My Kids. I could be having a fantastic day until one of my kids throws a tantrum. Funny enough, even when everything seems to be falling apart, two happy kiddos can turn my frown upside down. Too bad the opposite happens more often.
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Summary:
Navigating motherhood changes your brain in countless ways, from forgetfulness and heightened anxiety to a newfound ability to multitask. Moms become adept at staying a step ahead of chaos, but also face challenges like relaxation and waking up. Ultimately, the emotional rollercoaster of parenting can be both a source of joy and stress.