How long does Mommy Brain last?

Sxia

I hate the term, but how long is it normal to be forgetful? I keep forgetting things, sometimes not every day, but frequently. I left my phone at home on the charger the other day. Today, I spent 10 minutes making myself a healthy lunch. I guess it's still on the counter. Now, my children are at school, they have eaten, have snack, have their car seats where they need to be for pickup. I have everything I need for a meeting later tonight. But it always seems to be something.

Any tips for overcoming this? Do you think this is "mommy brain" or just too many things to remember, or am I just really unorganized?

AnnapolisLari

So far, about 4.5 years.

I make a lot of lists. And then I forget the lists.

joy143dh

I have to make lists for everything and yet I still overlook stuff.  Ishityounot, I once wrote "make a list" on my list of things to do that day and then forgot to cross it off.   It used to bother me, but I've learned to live with it.

sooosie

Yup, 4+ years here too.  I don't know how to make it better either.

MotherBucker

Until they move out, I'm thinking

ccm1203

I'm going on 6+ years.    Routine, routine, routine help some.....

MomToMaia1

I still have it ~ DD is 3!

veloelle

Forever. I feel so stupid some days.

true_norskie

I'm pretty convinced it never goes away.  Women tend to be global thinkers in the first place, thinking about everything all the time, whereas men tend to be compartmental thinkers, thinking about one thing at a time.  Sometimes I'm envious that H can do that.  And he often comments on how he does not envy the fact that I can't ever shut things off in my head.

Introduce your childrens' worlds into YOUR world and your global thinking just grew by leaps and bounds.  There is still a lot in your head, whether your kids are physically with you or not.  I mean, look at what you said, "my children are at school, they have eaten, have snack, have their car seats where they need to be for pickup. I have everything I need for a meeting later tonight."  That's in your head whether you want it there or not!

When there are a lot of things to remember--I live and die by lists!  I'm thankful for my phone because I put reminders in there all the time.  And after I've put it down on paper (or in my phone), I can allow it out of my head.  It helps a LOT!

Also, cut yourself some slack!  I've just about bitten H's head off after we've gotten in the car to go somewhere and I've remembered everything for everybody and he rolls his eyes or makes a snotty comment when I realize that I've forgotten my wallet.  He'll never know what it's like to be in my head...

GettinNervous

5 years for me. It's scary sometimes.

Mominator

Well, my oldest is 15 y/o, so I'm gonna say at least that long Seriously, I have so many other things to think about and keep track of with my kids, it's a wonder I remember to get dressed when I leave the house in the morning.