Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Ten Ways Motherhood Has Made Me Dumber

The Golden Spoons
I am usually not all that shy about sharing my mommy mess-ups.  I've written about them here and here.  The story of one of my meltdowns has even been published here.  After all, we're all human, right?  RIGHT???

However, it seems that, since becoming a mother, my goof-ups occur more frequently.  I've had a couple of doozies recently.  Maybe you saw my Facebook status where I admitted ordering groceries online but forgetting to hit "SUBMIT."  There was also an incident when my hubby was in a rush to leave our house and get to the airport to catch a flight.  I was across town and he called me because he couldn't find his car keys.  They were in my purse in the car with me - across town.  (Fortunately, I knew where the spare was!)  There may also have been a candle that was left burning for a few hours while we were away from home and possibly a blog I scheduled to post but then forgot to publicize because I forgot I had scheduled it.  Perhaps, my blunders are simply amplified now because they affect my family.   Maybe I just have a lot more to keep track of.  Or - here's a theory - maybe motherhood has actually made me dumber!  Yep, I'm going with that one!  Here are ten ways that motherhood has actually made me dumber:

  1. Mommy Brain - Have you heard of pregnancy brain?  Oftentimes, when pregnant, women become more forgetful than usual.  However, this phenomenon usually subsides after the baby is born.  Or does it?!?  I experienced this a bit with my first pregnancy, but it went away pretty unremarkably.  I experienced it to a slightly higher degree with my second, but, again, it went away.  With my third, it was out of control and I don't think it ever completely subsided!
  2. No knowledge of current events - I pretty much don't watch the news anymore.  I don't want to watch it when my children are around because they don't need to be exposed to the violence and the awfulness in the world just yet.  I don't watch it when they are not around because it is sad and scary and people are just stupid sometimes.  So, if the headline doesn't make it into my Facebook or Twitter feed, chances are I'm not going to know much about it.
  3. Sleep deprivation - According to WebMD, the average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  They also state that not getting enough sleep can lead to memory loss (among other things).  Um, you think???  Sleep deprivation begins before a baby is even born with the uncomfortable nature of pregnancy in the final weeks.  Then, there are the middle of the night feedings, colicky babies, and teething.  It gets better as they get older, but there are still nightmares, stomach bugs, and random aches that wake children and, therefore, parents.  Plus, many moms stay up far too late trying to accomplish all the things on our to-do lists.  Then, we are up again at the crack of dawn so we can start all over.  Motherhood is a perpetual state of sleep deprivation.
  4. Kids' TV and music - Have you ever caught yourself talking like the characters on your child's favorite show??  Ever caught yourself singing "D-D-D-Dora!" or "Call me maybe" in the shower??  This summer, my hubby and I sat down with our girls one evening and watched a few of their favorite shows with them.  Afterwards, we actually told each other that we felt dumber after watching them!  (That's totally true.  It inspired this list of some "old" family TV shows that were so much better.) 
  5. Homework - My oldest daughter started middle school this year.  Math has never been her strong suit - or mine - but I've tried to help her a few times when my hubby was out of town.  I will admit that I googled how to multiply fractions and I had no idea how to help her divide decimals.  I'm certain I did all that stuff a long time ago, but when put to the test, I had no clue!
  6. I have a college degree I haven't used in years. - I went to college, got my degree, and actually graduated magna cum laude (or one of those fancy honorary terms).  However, I have been a stay at home mom since my oldest was born.  Remember, I just told you she's in middle school now.  I have not used that degree or gotten a paycheck in more than eleven years!!  Now, I realize that staying home was my choice and that it's not the right choice for everyone.  I do not regret my decision, but when I think about that degree and all those college classes "going to waste" it does sting just a bit!
  7. I don't read. -  I used to, really, but these days I just can't find the time.  I hear others mention this book or that novel and I think "I really need to read more," but I never do.  I might squeeze in a magazine once in a while and I can recite Green Eggs and Ham verbatim, but I won't even tell you how long it's been since I read an actual novel.  (Mostly because I just can't remember. See #1)
  8. Distractions - Do you ever feel like you cannot complete a thought without being interrupted??  If so, you are probably a mom.  Heck, most of the time, I can't even go to the bathroom without someone calling for me or just walking in to ask me a question.  I think "Oh!  I need to go to this" and on my way there, somebody needs me to open a snack or tie their shoe or find something for them.  By the time I get where I was going, I forget what I was gong to do.  (Again, See #1.)  I don't have ADHD; I have kids!
  9. Pinterest - Pinterest is my worst nightmare.  It is filled with pictures of all the creative, crafty things other moms have done for their kids'  birthdays or school parties or Halloween costumes. IF, I ever torture myself by cruising the site, I find myself repeatedly saying "Why didn't I think of that?!" or "There's no way I could make/do that!"  It make me feel inferior inferior in every way.
  10. Clothes - Theres' something about putting on a great outfit - maybe a power suit or a nice cocktail dress - that makes you feel great.  You stand a little taller.  You feel important, smart, and put-together.  I can't really say that about my yoga pants.  My motherly wardrobe has become more about function and comfort.  I rarely ever put on an outfit these days that says "I am intelligent, motivated woman."  
Despite all of these downfalls, motherhood has made me smarter, too.  Motherhood has taught me about the things that are REALLY important in life.  That's not naps or clothes.  It's not even books or paychecks.  What's really important is these girls and those smiles:


What's really important is this man and our strong marriage.


What's really important is smiles, and laughter, and memories, and family.



So, how about you?  Do you think motherhood has made you dumber or smarter??  Maybe both??



33 comments:

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Ha! I am a terrible parker. I definitely don't want my kids seeing the news. I know I can't shelter them forever, but as long as I can I will!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Yes, that's completely possible! I just feel like most of my days have been dumber lately! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks! I don't think the sleep deprivation will ever end. I would like to say when they grow up and move out, but I know my mom has lost sleep worrying about me or my kids. Maybe is gets less, though??? at least we can hope, right??? :-)

Chris Carter said...

I love you Lisa... and I ABSOLUTELY love this post!!! AMEN to it ALL!! Even when I am 'healthy'- you will find me in sweats with my hair up... and good Lord, how can we find the time to read an ACTUAL book? Reading all our blogging friends counts for something, doesn't it?
I wrote a post called "mush" a few summers back. This made me think of it. I should dig it up and read it again. Same message- different day. LOL ;)

Joy @ Comfytown said...

YES. So much this. All of this. Grammar, out the window, complete thoughts, what are those? When did I last shower? NO IDEA. It's all worth the memory loss, but wait, what were we just talking about??

Lisa Nolan said...

Love your ten ways motherhood has made you... dumb-founded! LOL. Me too! The photos of your family are priceless! And you're right... THAT'S what really matters!

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

HAHA! Motherhood (and blogging and lack of sleep because of motherhood and blogging) has made me dumber too! Love it. Your photos are amazing. I can't find the time to read, either. I miss it though. Great post, Lisa!

Shannon Ellis said...

Dumber! When I look back on my day I can't remember a single thing I did without being interrupted. Or maybe that's just because I'm so tired. :-) good write!

Heather said...

I wanted to agree with you and also ask what this sleep thing is? Sounds familiar though. But then I kept thinking about the grocery order. If I ever move again living somewhere where ordering groceries is possible is going at the top of the essential list!

Ginnymarie said...

I agree completely! This is one of the reason I try to read and have even joined a book club. But finding the time to actually read the books is hopeless! I can usually catch up over the summer.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I would love to read that post! I certainly hope reading blog counts because eI do plenty of that. Hope you are feeling better my friend!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Ha! Right?? Yesterday was a crazy day for me - running kids all over the place and a first grade field trip. I realized about lunchtime that I hadn't even brushed my teeth that morning. Oy!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Lisa! That is absolutely what matters and I would sacrifice anything for them - even brain cells! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thank you Kristi! Maybe blog reading counts, right? I do plenty of that!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Shannon! Heck, I can't even remember what day of the week it is half the time, much less what I actually did during the day! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Oh the grocery thing has been a total life saver (as long as I remember to hit submit!)! I wrote a post about a year or so ago an it is actually going to be recycled on the Mother of All Meltdowns blog next week. Hope you will check it out!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I am in a Bible study group where we have a book to read. We are only asked to read one or two chapters a week and usually I can't even find time to do that! I always say I will read during the summer, but I rarely do.

The Shitastrophy said...

Yes!! Yes!! Yes!!

Dana said...

I think motherhood has made me smarter. It's the getting older that's made me dumber. So basically, it's a wash!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

:-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Oh no! If getting older makes me even dumber, I'm in trouble!

Jennifer Barbour said...

I'm going with both. While I sometimes feel like I'm running around like a chicken with it head cut off, I know my kids teach me things each day. It's an amazing experience, isn't it?

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It is amazing and I have definitely learned a lot from my kids and my experiences as a mom. Hopefully, what I've learned makes up for what I've lost! :-)

Nicole R - Writer said...

Kids' TV and music are just plain evil. I try to skip it as much as I can, but Dora the Explorer always finds a way to take over my Judge Judy time.

Ashley Linder said...

What a great post!! Love the pics!! Can't believe that in the Halloween one they are holding hands. And I agree with every one of your reasons esp the one about only hearing top news on FB. Sooooo glad I am not the only one. I joke that they should put a ticker at the bottom of the kids channels that gives parents the important info of the day. And not gonna lie I do feel a little dumb when I'm bringing up something that happened in the news to another adult and have to admit that I heard about it on FB b/c I don't watch the news or read the newspaper. Life as a parent or at least for me!! lol

Stefanie @ brokeandbeau said...

Cute post! I have no one to take care of but myself and I still suffer from these dumb moments.

Heather said...

I think I definitely suffer from Mommybrain and the child-induced ADHD. But like you, I never realized what was really important until I had my son. Great post! {Stopping by from SITSSharefest}

Gracielle Tamanio said...

I have mommy-brain all the time! However, it's mostly little things - like forgetting to change out the laundry or misplacing my keys. I think being a mommy has forced me to be smarter. I am raising two tiny individuals, holding down a full-time job, and running a household - I have grown leaps and bounds when it comes to multi-tasking and managing time. Being a mom has allowed me to trust my gut and love in ways I never thought possible.

Also, I think Pinterest is the devil for new moms - puts too much pressure on us all to be perfect. Great post! Sorry for the long comment! LOL

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

For better or worse, we have passed by Dora in my house and moved on to Good Luck Charlie and Jesse! Not sure they are any better~

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

That ticker thing is a great idea! Except I hope the kids wouldn't start reading it. Then, they would know more than me! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Ha! The kids make a pretty good excuse for me! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

So glad you stopped by! there are definitely some negatives AND plenty of positives in motherhood!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I agree - I am definitely better at trusting my gut. I do a lot more multi tasking, so in some ways I have gained skill, but in other ways I think that makes me crazy! :-) Pinterest is absolutely the devil!

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