I barely remember my childhood up until about 12 to 13. I think I know why, but I still want to remember. My mom left me for about a year between 5 and 6 years old. I was with my dad at this time. The thing is I don't remember clearly my childhood until I was about 13. I always thought I had an awesome childhood until I was reminded in my early 20's about mom leaving my brother, me and dad. Now I am 45 and kind of know why my mom left us but I still can't recall my childhood. I really want to because I am so bothered by not remembering. Is it possible for me to actually remember? Please help.

I'm not sure,I can't remember my childhood much,just a few fleeting memories.

From what I have gathered over the years(I am 43),is that most people don't retain much from childhood,unless there was trauma or serious joy.

To dwell on this probably is pointless,but if you really need to know something from your past,regression therapy might be a solution for you.

I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's pretty normal to not remember much about your childhood. Most people only remember some significant (really good or really bad) events.

Donna Sue, have you considered hypnosis? I read that this can help with lost childhood memories.

I lost both my parents when I was 11. I lived with my Aunt and Uncle and they were great. They had photos and videos of me and my parents and they told me about them. I was in the same accident that killed my parents and I have no memory of them. I have no memory of Mum hugging me or kissing me. I have no memory of playing with my dad. There are photos and videos of all those things happening and more. I remember nothing of my life before the accident. When I look at the photos I do not see my Mum or my Dad, I see 2 people whom I am told are my Mum and Dad. My Aunt and Uncle tried everything and everybody to try and help me remember. I told them to stop when I was 14 it hurt too much, 3 years of being taken to see specialists again and again. I just did not want to do it anymore. I did not want to look at another photo or watch another video of a family I did not know. I no longer wanted to be taken to see their graves were it said Loving Parents. I went again on my 18th birthday because I love my Aunt and Uncle and they asked me too. I was never a crier, my Aunt was told it was because I knew no better but I cried that day and was apologising to Mum and Dad at their graveside.
That was 12 years ago, I have been sat down for most of the afternoon going through photos of my parents with my 2 sons Alex 7 and Nathan 8. Was tempted to get the videos but thought better of it, probably should get them put on dvd. My Aunt and Uncle are now Gran and Grandad and I call them Mum and Dad. That took some persuasion but they finally accepted that I was proud to call them my Mum and Dad.
I have had a wonderful birthday today and the last 7 and 8 years I have had a wonderful childhood. I sometimes wonder what my life was like but now I have my own children it must have been great.