Have you ever tried to choose your favourite childhood memory?

It’s not as easy as picking a favourite movie or a beloved teacher — memories are layered, emotional, and sometimes unexpectedly powerful. We may not always know why certain ones rise to the surface, but they stay with us for a reason.

Sometimes, it’s not about choosing the “best” memory — it’s about noticing which one still lights something up in you when you remember it. And then asking: why does this matter to me?

My Favourite Memory

For me, one of those memories is this:
Playing in the cubby house in our backyard with my two younger brothers, and coming in afterward to eat banana and honey sandwiches for lunch.

It wasn’t anything fancy — the cubby was muddy, tucked away at the back of our yard, surrounded by banana trees, and built from leaves and sticks. But that’s what made it special. It was ours. Hidden, handmade, and filled with imagination.

That one memory brings with it a flood of others:
Painting with colourful stones on concrete.
Scraping the little spots of gunpowder from cap gun strips.
Chasing lizards and being amazed when their tails kept moving after they’d dropped them. (Yes, I was a bit of a tomboy.)

Why This One?

It had some stiff competition — like parties at my grandparents’ place with little bottles of creaming soda and striped straws, or fishing trips at Noosaville with hired boats and beach adventures.

But it’s the cubby that stayed with me.

Why? Because it captures something essential:
The joy of unstructured play.
The freedom to explore.
The magic of childhood imagination.
And the warmth of being with my siblings, completely immersed in our little world.

That kind of memory doesn’t just remind me of what I did — it reminds me of who I was. And in many ways, who I still am.

Why Our Memories Matter

A quick search for “why are memories important?” gives a simple but profound answer:

“They are your identity. They are your life experiences — how you view the world, and why you view it the way you do. Without them, you don’t know who you are.” It’s true.

Our memories are more than stories we tell — they shape how we understand ourselves. They give us perspective, insight, and a sense of continuity. And for children, especially, being able to reflect on their own experiences helps them build confidence, emotional awareness, and a stronger sense of self.

Giving Your Child the Gift of Their Story

That’s the heart of Inicio Albums — not just collecting mementos, but making space each year to reflect on what mattered, what made them smile, what challenged them, and who they’re becoming.

Because when children begin to remember their story — through a photo, a small achievement, or a cherished moment — they begin to own it.

And in doing so, they build something deeper than memories.
They build identity.