It’s happening again. You’ve mapped out a family adventure, whether it’s a seasonal outing or a cherished tradition, all in hopes of creating lasting memories and capturing the perfect Instagram shots. You feel a sense of gratitude as you gather your family for another go at that activity you inexplicably abandoned last year. Fond memories flood your mind, leaving you puzzled about why it ended so abruptly. Everything seemed to be going well — or so you thought.
This is how it inevitably begins. But once the journey kicks off, memories from past experiences start flashing back. You remember the delightful burrito restaurant where you all stopped for lunch on the way to the beach, but you conveniently forget the agonizing stretch of rural roads devoid of restrooms. Suddenly, all that burrito goodness is rushing to make a hasty exit from your digestive system.
You recall the heartwarming drawings your kids created when you attempted to limit their screen time. Yet, you block out the memory of how they dashed through that creative phase in a mere 20 minutes, followed by a full-blown withdrawal that turned your home into a scene of chaos—every piece of furniture now anchored to the walls, scissors locked behind an impenetrable security system, and the living room resembling a life-sized chess game.
You think of the delicious food and imaginative costumes at your local Renaissance Festival. But you forget the epic tantrum thrown by your toddler, which could rival a scene from a medieval drama, after all that walking, sugar, and jousting. Honestly, who cares about a jousting match when you’re three years old?
How can you overlook all of this? How is it possible to forget how stressful these family escapades often turn out? Why does strawberry picking always seem like an adorable, rustic adventure, despite the fact that it has consistently ended with your children gorging on strawberries and then throwing up bright red all over your favorite linen shorts? Don’t worry, you’re not losing your mind.
No, my friend, you are merely experiencing a classic case of Momnesia.
Momnesia occurs when our brains, overflowing with schedules, grocery lists, appointments, reminders, meal plans, and the names of teachers and fellow parents, simply cannot retain what it deems unimportant. You remember those visits to see Santa, but you forget how your youngest was haunted by nightmares for months, terrified of that unsettling bearded figure sneaking into your home.
You think back to the annual carnival outing, but you conveniently overlook the exorbitant admission fees that rival the cost of a full-body wax and the fact that the carnival itself features a few rusted rides that scorch in the sun, leaving your kids in tears on the ride home.
For some inexplicable reason, our minds prioritize the empty memory of the event over the chaotic aftermath. What’s more important: remembering the fun of the day or the panic of white-knuckling the steering wheel while shouting “Never again!” on the way home? Given the multitude of responsibilities we juggle daily, it’s no wonder that certain memories slip through the cracks. At least you can rest easy knowing that you haven’t forgotten significant events like your firstborn’s birthday (no guarantees for the others).
So, the next time you find yourself questioning your sanity over a family trip to a museum—especially after your son previously climbed into a roped-off display of ancient artifacts—remind yourself: it’s okay to forget. We all do it because if we remembered every stressful detail, we might never step outside again.
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Summary:
Momnesia is a common phenomenon among parents, where the mind selectively forgets the chaos of family outings to focus on the joys. This article humorously recounts the way we often remember the fun parts of family activities while conveniently overlooking the stress and challenges that come with them. Understanding this can help us embrace the chaos and continue making memories, even if we sometimes forget the struggles that come with them.