Posted on 10/23/2020
As parents, we see the importance of making memories with our kids. But how do we take a beautiful moment and turn it into a treasured memory? There's actually a science behind it, some of which is still not thoroughly understood. What we do know is that by employing multiple senses and being fully present in the moment, we can capture moments in our memories for years and even decades to come. Like effective learning, memory is aided by repetition. How can we utilize this memory science to create a storehouse of lasting memories for our children? We'll break it down into three simple steps.
Multiple Senses, Many Pathways
While each child has a certain set of primary and secondary learning tendencies, the more pathways we use to get information into the brain, the more effectively they "stick." When strong emotions are involved, they have an even greater chance of being retained.
Think of favorite childhood memories you have: in describing them, you may remember certain sounds and sights and smells, even textures and tastes. Catch one whiff of a strawberry pie, and it'll take you back in a heartbeat. That's because if one sense trumps all the others, when it comes to eliciting emotions and triggering memories, it's that of the olfactory bulb or sense of smell.
Full Attention and Presence
Of all the woes connected with our screen addiction, this might be the biggest downside, when we think of childhood memories. We're all distracted by our devices these days, making it harder for us to be fully present in the moment. And let's face it: as much as we love the convenience of connecting over social media or passing the time with mindless games, it's face-to-face interaction and focused attention that we all crave.
By blocking out screen-free, distraction-free time to focus on our kids, we'll create those treasured memories we desire in our heart of hearts. At the end of the day, it's not the price of the tickets or the exotic locale that makes the difference; it's how we're focused on it and truly taking in the scene or experience and connecting with our kids that makes the difference.
Natural Connections
An understanding of multi-sensory learning combined with the power of being fully present helps explain why experiences in nature are likely to calm us and create strong memories. Of the many benefits of outdoor free play for kids is the natural tendency toward bonding and making memories. From the sound of the autumn leaves blowing in the wind to the fragrance of the salt water at the beach and the texture of the sand or grass beneath bare feet, these outdoor experiences don't take much planning or financial investment. But they pay dividends in memories.
Continue reading with Part 2.
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