Ever had a moment where you went downstairs and forgot what you were going to do? But some kids just forget things all the time, sometimes even when you had just given them the task to do. Issues with the working memory which is the ability to keep in mind the information needed to complete a task affect children both in and out of school. However, there are solutions parents can work towards to help their children to improve their memory.
Firstly, parents should find out what their child’s limits are. Even though you have given your child what feels like a reasonable amount of instructions, but he keeps going off the rails, it is a good indicator that he has reached his limit of his working memory. With this in mind, you can keep track of when he starts losing his way around and get a better understanding of your child’s capacity to retain information. Once you understand his limit, you will be able to use this as an accurate guideline. With this in mind, try to focus on giving your child one task at a time instead of multiple instructions as he may not be able to process this.
Secondly, parents should help to break down the instructions or whatever their child is trying to learn. Simple schoolwork given may seem easy on the surface but actually requires a lot of working memory. Organising these tasks will help your child break down the instructions or work to manageable parts to follow. For example, if your child Is working on a composition he is utilizing his working memory to recall information, create and organise ideas, use appropriate spelling and grammar, and also make sure his handwriting is alright. Trying to do all these tasks may often prove to be too much for a child. Hence, encourage your child to break down his homework assessments into manageable amounts to help him work more effectively and create good study habits.
Thirdly, parents can help their kids get into a routine. With routines, children are able to automatically carry out the task and it no longer requires a working memory to function. Remembering what to do will take up cognitive workspace but if the task or job has become a routine, your child will not be using any of his working memory.
As such, the best way to help your children with working memory problems is to focus mainly on creating and doing effective coping strategies. Creating routines, splitting tasks into micro jobs and offering support will help your child improve his working memory.
References
Rae Jacobson (2020, July 31). How to Help Kids With Working Memory Issues. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-with-working-memory-issues/