Since becoming a mother of two, my thought processes have shifted dramatically. This reality comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. For instance, my multitasking skills have improved significantly, but I also tend to forget about 40% of the tasks I set out to complete. Fortunately, I’ve learned to be more forgiving with myself. The constant demands of motherhood mean my mind is often bustling with thoughts, leading to a sometimes chaotic mental space. Here’s how my brain has evolved since having children:
- Forgetfulness Reaches New Heights: I once left a bag of groceries at the checkout, only to be chased down by the cashier yelling, “Excuse me! Don’t forget your groceries!” I’ve also mixed up my kids’ names (one is a baby boy, the other a 5-year-old girl) and often lose track of conversations mid-sentence. So, what was I saying again?
- Anxiety Levels Have Increased: Caring for two little ones is no small feat. It’s a constant battle to keep them healthy, especially when they seem determined to catch every illness and engage in risky behaviors. For example, I was relieved when my baby chose to put a cat hairball in his mouth instead of what I thought was poop. And if they aren’t exploring danger, they’re likely to be crying for no apparent reason, throwing me into a state of distress.
- Panic Can Set In Quickly: “Is that an unsecured staircase? A spider lurking? Bill Cosby???”
- Exhaustion Tolerance is Off the Charts: I endured a year with barely any sleep, something that would have had me canceling plans pre-kids. Now, I somehow find a way to push through. While sleepless nights are still challenging, I know I can survive them with coffee and oversized sunglasses.
- Grossness Doesn’t Bother Me Anymore: I’ve encountered all kinds of unpleasantness—from green snot to messy diapers and hair-clogged drains. I’ve seen it all, often without wanting to. Need help with a plumbing issue or a snot emergency? Call a mom. Just don’t expect me to come; I’m busy.
- My To-Do List is Endless: My mind is always racing with reminders of chores I should be tackling. Take out the trash, do the laundry, remember to put the clean clothes in the dryer to avoid that musty smell, unload the dishwasher, and then there’s that grocery list I can never find. It’s a whirlwind of tasks, and yet I sometimes get sidetracked.
- I’m Always Ten Steps Ahead: Whether it’s catching a potential mess or preventing my baby from tumbling down the stairs, I’m constantly anticipating my children’s movements. It’s like being a vigilant jaguar, but instead of hunting, I’m focused on keeping them safe.
- Relaxation is a Challenge: I find it difficult to unwind unless I indulge in a little something—namely, wine.
- Waking Up is a Struggle: Getting out of bed is nearly impossible without coffee or feet in my face, but I definitely prefer the coffee.
- My Emotions are Tied to My Kids: My mood can shift dramatically based on how my children are doing. I can be having a great day until one of them has a meltdown. Conversely, even during tough times, the joy of having two happy kids can turn my day around. Guess which scenario happens more often?
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In summary, motherhood has transformed my brain in ways I never anticipated. From heightened anxiety and forgetfulness to improved multitasking and a new threshold for exhaustion, the challenges and joys of parenthood create a unique mental landscape that is distinctly different from my pre-kid self.