Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just call me Dory

So this two kids thing is really doing a number on my short-term memory. I seem to be forgetting everything! It first started when I forgot to go pick up a bumbo I found on craigslist. Then the other night I threw away a brand new book of stamps right after I had bought them at the post office. If I don't say what I am thinking right away, I can never remember what it was. And I may even be guilty of leaving the house in my slippers a time or two...

I remember learning about our short term memories in a psychology class. Your brain can store about 5-9 items in your "active" or short-term memory. The space is limited, so adding new items to your active memory requires your brain to siphon off some of the old. Our long term memories on the other hand can store an indefinite amount of information.

I think a mothers brain is too full as it is. Add to that constant worry and wondering about a 3 month old baby and things just start flying out of the window!

I do have to give my brain some credit though---it seems to remember the most important things. I can usually remember when I last fed Kaitlyn, when she needs her meds, and I haven't ever missed an appointment.

Want to test your short term memory? Try this. I did perfect on the first two tests and then things started to fall apart. Let me know how you did!


4 comments:

april said...

Ha Ha... seriously being a mom does something to your brain. You haven't missed one appt? There has been a ton!! So what if you threw away stamps!! Fun memory test!

bobandhaley said...

I did horrible... I know what you mean. I have to set an alarm on my phone to remind me when the next feedings are. I think the babies suck the memory part of your brain out when you are in your last trimester because I have been like this for a few months now.

Eggy said...

Welcome to the Scattered Mothers Club. I started locking my keys in my car after my second child was born. I had NEVER done that before.

nicole said...

i remembered all the letters, though not always in perfect order but i added letters that weren't there. does that count? does that say something about my memory? I make stuff up that doesn't exist or something? maybe people with multiples start multiplying stuff in their heads...
who knows.