Updated: November 6, 2020
Originally Published: July 26, 2017
It’s that time again. You’ve organized a family outing—perhaps to a seasonal event or a beloved tradition meant to strengthen your family bonds. You envision creating countless memories and filling your Instagram feed with joyful snapshots. You feel incredibly fortunate to embark on this adventure with your loved ones. Or maybe you’re eager to revisit an activity you mysteriously abandoned last year, recalling only the delightful moments and perplexed by its sudden halt. Everything seemed to be going so well—at least, that’s what you thought.
This is how it always begins. But as soon as the trip or event gets underway, memories of past experiences flood back to you. You fondly recall the tasty burrito spot you visited en route to the beach while completely overlooking the endless stretch of barren roads that left you searching for a restroom. Those beans, after all, have a way of making an urgent exit from your body at the most inconvenient times.
You remember the charming drawings your kids created while you attempted to limit their screen time. Yet, you’ve conveniently forgotten that they churned out all those masterpieces in a mere 20 minutes before spiraling into a full-blown withdrawal all over your home (i.e., your furniture is now secured to the walls, scissors are locked behind several passwords, and you’ve somehow managed to conjure a life-sized chess game worthy of a Harry Potter set).
You reminisce about the amazing food and lively costumes at your local Renaissance Festival, but forget the epic meltdown your toddler had after a sugar high and way too much walking. Who really cares about jousting? Not a 3-year-old, that’s for sure.
How could you possibly overlook these details? How is it that strawberry picking continues to appear as a quaint adventure for you and the kids, despite years of the same outcome—children gorging themselves on strawberries and then erupting bright red all over your favorite linen shorts? Take a breath. Your memory isn’t fading.
No, my friend. You’re experiencing a classic case of Momnesia. This phenomenon occurs when your brain, filled to the brim with schedules, shopping lists, appointments, reminders, meal plans, and the names of every teacher and parent involved in your life, decides that some memories simply aren’t worth retaining.
You may remember taking your kids to see Santa, but conveniently forget that your youngest couldn’t sleep for weeks, haunted by the fear of that creepy bearded stranger invading your home. You can recall the family trip to the annual carnival, yet you block out the reality that the entry fee would rival the cost of a full-body wax and that the carnival rides are so rickety they could burn your kids’ thighs under the scorching sun.
For some reason, our minds prioritize the mere fact that the event took place over the chaotic moments—the part where you’re driving home, gripping the wheel with white knuckles and frantically vowing, “Never again!” With all the information you juggle daily, it’s understandable that some memories might slip away. It’s a humorous image, I know, but at least you’re not misplacing your firstborn’s birthday (no promises about the other kids).
So, the next time you question your sanity for thinking a museum trip with the whole family would be charming after that incident where your son climbed into a roped-off display of ancient artifacts, remember this: we all forget. We forget because if we truly remembered, we’d never step outside again.
If you’re interested in learning more about family planning or home insemination, check out this guide on artificial insemination kits. They’re an excellent resource on the topic. For a deeper dive into pregnancy options, consider visiting Healthline for more insights.
Summary
Momnesia is a funny and relatable phenomenon where mothers forget the chaotic details of family outings due to the overwhelming information they juggle daily. As we try to create memorable experiences, our brains tend to overlook the less pleasant moments, leading to repeated adventures that may not go as planned. Remember, forgetting helps us keep moving forward in the parenting journey.
Keyphrase: Momnesia
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]