Kids Remember Everything

The adage “little pitchers have big ears” dates me. But, it’s still true. Your kids can recall events that make wonderful memories. And, they can also repeat a whole lot of stuff you wish they’d forget.

With grandchildren ranging from ages one to four, I’m constantly reminded (by myself as well as by their parents), that what I say is heard and stored. It always amazes me that my granddaughter spouts some of my more colorful phrases in the proper context. I bet it amazes her preschool teachers, too. She can’t remember what state she lives in, but what Mom-Mom says when she stubs her toe – that she recalls perfectly.

As kids grow, they also keep catalogued in their memory banks many of the experiences of childhood. Recollections can be skewed by the stories that spring up around them. The emotions, however, seem to stay intact. As a writer, I try to evoke those reminiscences when I’m creating a new character. As a parent, when one of my children was upset or thrilled or even bored, I tried to bring forward similar memories to be better at helping them through emotional situations.

Childhood isn’t just a time we experience and then move on. It stays with us forever. Remembering it is a thoughtful tool when talking to your little ones. Technology may advance, but happiness and sadness are always the same. There is no generation gap when you can empathize and enjoy a moment together.