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Diagnosis: Momnesia
Once again, the familiar cycle begins. You plan a family outing—perhaps a seasonal or traditional event aimed at nurturing closeness and creating cherished memories. Excitement builds: the prospect of capturing moments for social media feels delightful, and you feel truly #blessed to embark on this journey with your loved ones. Alternatively, you might be tempted to revisit an activity you inexplicably abandoned last year, filled only with fond recollections and utterly perplexed by its sudden discontinuation. Everything seemed to be going so well—or so you believed.
However, as the activity unfolds, memories of past experiences begin to resurface. You remember the delicious burrito restaurant where you paused for lunch on the way to the beach; you forget the agonizing stretch of rural roads without restrooms, only to be reminded of that urgent moment when the beans made their intentions known. You recall the beautiful drawings your children created during your attempt to limit screen time; you forget they completed them in a mere 20 minutes, leading to a chaotic withdrawal that transformed your home into a fortress against creativity (think furniture anchored to walls and a three-password security system for access to scissors).
You reminisce about the delightful food and imaginative costumes at your local Renaissance Festival; you conveniently overlook your toddler’s monumental tantrum, reminiscent of King Joffrey, following a day filled with walking, sweets, and jousting. At that moment, what could possibly matter to a 3-year-old?
How is it possible to forget these experiences? Why do you continually overlook the stress that accompanies these family excursions? Strawberry picking always seems like an endearing, rustic adventure, even though previous years have ended with your children gorging themselves on strawberries and subsequently regurgitating vivid red stains onto your linen shorts. Worry not; your cognitive decline is not to blame.
What you are experiencing is a common phenomenon known as Momnesia. This condition arises when the brain, inundated with schedules, to-do lists, appointments, meal plans, and the names of various individuals, reaches its capacity and begins to discard what it considers unnecessary information. You might remember taking your children to see Santa Claus, yet forget the sleepless nights your youngest endured, terrified that the creepy bearded man would invade their home. You can recall the annual carnival outing but neglect to mention the exorbitant admission fee that rivals the cost of a full-body wax, or the rusted rides that left your children burned and crying on the return journey.
For some reason, our brains prioritize the mere fact that the event occurred over the stressful details, like driving home while vowing, “Never again!” Given the multitude of responsibilities we juggle daily, it is not surprising that some memories may slip through the cracks. At least you can take solace in knowing your firstborn’s birthday is safe—at least for now.
So, the next time you find yourself questioning why you thought a museum visit would be a pleasant experience after your son’s previous escapade of climbing into a roped-off ancient artifact display, remember: forgetting is a universal experience. If we retained every memory of chaos, we might never leave our homes again.
For more insights into navigating parenthood, consider exploring our other blog posts, such as this one on at-home insemination. If you’re interested in starting a family, you can join Make a Mom, a free sperm donor matching group, or check out Make a Mom, which offers a reusable at-home insemination option. To learn how at-home insemination works, visit this guide. For those seeking resources, the CDC provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, take a look at the at-home insemination kit offered by Make a Mom for all your needs.
Summary:
Momnesia is a common condition experienced by parents, where the brain, overwhelmed with daily responsibilities, tends to forget the chaotic details of family outings while remembering only the enjoyable aspects. This phenomenon leads to repeated attempts at activities that, although stressful, are remembered fondly. Resources for family planning and at-home insemination are available for those interested.