We realize the true value of moment when everything is memory…
Have you ever reminisced on sweet childhood moments? Do they tickle your fantasy? Do you believe that those quality times you had while growing up, few as they may be, are part of your identity today? Are you aware that they are therapeutic of bad times/memories?
Memories are activities remembered of the past. It could be good or bad memories. Bad memories most times are not planned or premeditated, they happen unexpectedly. Most good memories are planned. This article seeks to encourage parents and families to be intentional in creating good memories that will outweigh the bad ones for a worthwhile living.
Research has revealed that retention of memory in a child starts from age 4 when the hippocampus is developed. Nonetheless, creating memories should start from day one, once a child is born because parents also need to recall and savour those sweet moments in the future.
The concept of time and age makes it difficult for some age factored memories, when eluded, to be created. For instance, it is odd to recite nursery rhyme to a 12 years old who probably missed such at a younger age. Memories created must align with age and there may not be an opportunity to revisit them when the time has passed.
Not all good memories are created, some come naturally. Memories like family jokes, pillow throws, hide and seek games, jest and laughs, fun plays, indoor games, etc. Many families experience this quality time effortlessly and naturally and they are the sweetest part of memories.
Aside the natural sweet memories, it is important for families to create wonderful moments together. Not only does it make you fulfilled as a parent, it creates lasting bond, love and a healthy parent-child relationship. It enhances trust, love and respect. It also helps to strengthen family values and could be a tradition passed from one generation to another. It is a joy to both the child and the parent in present and future time. Cherished memories will make your child feel empowered, loved, cared for and well informed. Revisiting them largely helps members of the family to build identity.
Best ways to create memories
There are numerous ways to create family memories. These include.
- Sing and dance.
- Take them out.
- Crack jokes.
- Celebrate special days.
- Bake and cook together.
- Go to picnics.
- Go for outdoor games.
- Tell historical stories.
- Visit farms,zoo,aquarium.
- Teach culture/ tradition.
- Go to movies.
- Go for adventures.
- Go for road walk.
- Do exercise together.
- Visit beach, museum etc
The list is endless.
We must understand that most memories cost nothing and the best are done inside not outside the house. Cuddle, singing, bed time stories and other spontaneous memories cost nothing but are most valuable.
These memories are worth more than some luxuries that parents make available for their children. It is about quality time not priced riches. It is very odd for a child’s best memories to be with a domestic staff other than her parents. Children adore quality time spent with their parents and a happy child is the foundation of a parents joy in life.
In creating good memories, it is Important to find activities that suit your family and also peculiar to your setting. Focus on areas that align with your family interest and child’s passion. Families in the village have many interesting places of memory like farmland, rivers and many historical places where a child learns her culture and is excited about the tradition and values of her people. Teaching and explaining these sites as you visit them is an important part of the memory.
When your children remember childhood, will they remember fun and exciting experiences? Will they see happy parents and happy children in those experiences? Or a stressed out family trying to impose happiness?
Good memories are not compelled and not all memories can be made. It is okay for parents make just few memories in line with their capacity. Parents should not push too hard for the sake of making memories, they should know their limits. The Important part is the joy, peace and generosity created and the family time together. That’s enough memory!
Thus, parents should figure out what works for them. You can’t do it all, no family can. For creating outdoor memories, you can say No in this season for a planned yes in the next season. Plan it and live it for future sake!
Amara Ann Unachukwu
