As moms, we are often given [lots of unsolicited] advice when it comes to our kids, our family, and how to parent. Some of it’s great advice, some of it’s worth taking with a grain of salt, some of it’s absolutely terrible, and some of it may make you grit your teeth to keep your mouth shut. I’m grateful for much of the advice I’ve been given throughout my 8-year journey into motherhood (because it can be tough), but there is one piece of advice that I personally think is garbage: “Wait until your kids are older so they’ll remember it.”
Here’s the thing. Yes, kids may not remember everything we do for them, especially in their earlier years. But that doesn’t mean that we won’t. Some of the most fun I’ve had as a mom is being able to watch my children experience things with such innocence and joy at those young ages. We tend to forget how to have fun and embrace the moment as we get older. Let’s not wait for our kids to get to that point before experiencing things.
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Before having kids, I remember thinking I would never be one of those people to throw a first birthday party for my child, especially an elaborate, over-the-top one. But then my first child’s first birthday rolled around, and there I was planning a party and inviting 20+ people to attend. It was at our home and wasn’t a big to-do, but it was still a party with decor, food, and a theme, and I’m so glad I did it. Does my daughter remember it? Absolutely not. But her dad and I do, along with her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and some of our best friends. We remember her excitement when she pulled the bows off her gifts.
We remember the look of confusion on her face when she saw the birthday candles, followed by her expression when she got to put her whole fist in her very first cake and try icing for the very first time. And we have so many precious photos and videos from that day that not only we will have forever, but that she loves to look at and ask about.
In 2019, we decided to celebrate my birthday at Disney World and take our 2-year-old with us. Neither of us had been since we were small children — she loved Minnie Mouse, Elsa, and Disney Jr. characters, and we loved rides and roller coasters, so we thought it would be a fun idea. I can’t tell you how many people told us it would be a waste of money because she’s too young and wouldn’t remember it. Boy, were they so very wrong. Were they wrong about the her not remembering it part? Probably, mostly yes. But the waste of money? Not even close. It was worth every single penny and then some.
That feeling we got first stepping onto Main Street at Magic Kingdom and seeing her eyes light up and the biggest grin on her face is a memory that will live rent-free in my head forever. Watching her squeal as she ran up to Doc McStuffins and Fancy Nancy to give her the longest hugs made me teary-eyed. Going on the tea cup and Dumbo rides over and over by her request still brings a smile to my face. The claps she clapped after every fireworks show was the cutest thing ever. Experiencing the magic all through her eyes was just a one-of-a-kind experience and something that is still priceless to this day.
In fact, we became annual pass holders for two years after that and went often just to see her have the time of her life. And guess what? She does remember some of it! I’m not sure how much is actual memory and how much is triggered by the pictures and videos we’ve shown her, but even having those to show her for us all to relive is just so wonderful.
One of the greatest experiences of being a parent is getting to do things with and for your children, including making new memories for all of you. My daughters both have grown up doing so many things that we’ve all been able to enjoy together over the years, and we all love telling stories about them and sharing the memories over the dinner table and on car rides. And the experiences they don’t remember almost make for even better stories, because they love to hear about things they’ve done and see photos from it. Then, when you get to do it again one day, you’ll be able to see how much they’ve grown (which is also very sad) and have those memories of different experiences to hold onto forever.
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My philosophy: Time goes way too quickly and we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so spend every day like it’s your last. Take the trip. Laugh out loud. Eat the yummy foods. Enjoy time with your loved ones. Make the memories. And document them so you won’t forget them!
