Children’s memories are often unpredictable. They’ll hold on to moments from when they were toddlers but can forget where they left their shoes just moments ago. For instance, my 5-year-old daughter often recalls the time I accidentally spilled juice all over the kitchen floor but seems oblivious to the countless fun family dinners we’ve had. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to choose which memories they keep? Here are 12 moments I wish they will remember—and 12 I’d prefer they forget.
- The joyful afternoons spent at the park, where I remembered to pack the essentials like snacks and drinks, and we had a blast. (Unlike that one chaotic day when one child darted toward the street while the other ran in the opposite direction, and I found myself panicking and yelling as I chased after them.)
- The peaceful walks to school, hand in hand, as we admired the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves. (Not the time I lost my temper in the hallway yelling, “PUT ON YOUR SHOES NOW OR I’LL THROW THEM AWAY!”)
- The instance when my toddler accidentally knocked over the humidifier, and I calmly reassured him that accidents happen. (Rather than recalling the time I shouted, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” which left him in tears, saying, “It was an accident,” while I felt like a terrible parent.)
- The rare occasions when I actually had my hair done and my clothes matched. (Instead of remembering how many times I scrambled to make breakfast in my pajamas, wondering if I had even brushed my teeth.)
- The tender moments when I kissed their tiny injuries and put superhero Band-Aids on tiny scrapes. (Not the instance when I told my child to “shake it off” while he was nursing a broken ankle.)
- The grilled cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and pancakes shaped like animals. (Forget the nights when we resorted to cheese sticks and instant oatmeal because I forgot to go grocery shopping, or simply didn’t feel like it.)
- The day I was on the phone researching educational activities for them. (Not the countless times I was lost in my phone scrolling through social media.)
- The one time I managed to prepare all the lunches and clothes the night before. (Forget all those frantic mornings when we dashed out the door late, still munching on breakfast.)
- The many times I remembered to pack lunches. (Not the times I had to turn around halfway to school, muttering to myself the entire way, to fetch the forgotten lunches.)
- The Thanksgivings where we had a beautifully arranged table, complete with an array of side dishes and a perfectly roasted turkey. (Not the year I realized there was no turkey because it hadn’t thawed in time.)
- The evenings I read them their favorite bedtime stories, even when I was tempted by dessert and my favorite TV shows. (Not the nights I rushed through the story just to get it over with.)
- The Halloween when I crafted an elaborate costume and walked with my child for hours. (Not the year I wrapped him in duct tape, called it a robot costume, and told him to be back by dark.)
As a parent, my hope is that my children will cherish the joyful moments and the times I was truly present, while forgetting the instances of frustration or impatience.
For more resources on parenting and family life, check out this excellent guide on infertility or explore baby girl names starting with Z for some inspiration. If you’re interested in home insemination, you might also want to consider the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo.
Summary
In parenting, there are moments we hope our children will treasure and others we wish they would forget. From joyful outings to moments of frustration, we navigate the complexities of family life, hoping for the best memories to shine through.