Technically, the term memory is used to explain “the various ways in which our previous experiences can affect our current behavior”. Indeed, it implies an existing system that processes, represents, stores and retrieves information in the form of representations. While a 6 year old almost always has better overall memory than a 1 year old, their stage of memory development and the kind of memories they have often differ. Such memory in children is often classified on the basis of dimensions such as the longevity of storage (short term or long term), awareness of the memory (conscious storage or unconscious storage) and type of information (pictures and illustrations or meanings). Here are some developing memory facts that revolve around the stages of memory development, the timelines for such child memory development and the ways and means to enhance the memory of a child.

• Working memory capacity continues to increase throughout a child’s growth into adulthood and reverses or wanes in adulthood and old age. This memory improvement in children helps them more sophisticated in their mental ability and thinking.
• To develop and increase memory capacity in children, their games must be suitably expanded to require the holding of more information in their heads and for longer durations.
• A child who is younger than 3 or 4 usually shows no behaviors suggesting memory or such recognition of specific events. Usually the memory functions that allow the storage and retrieval of representations do not become actively functional till the child is 3 years old.
• A child between the ages or 3 and 4 or below, need interactivity in order to remember things. For example a zoo trip with no conversation between the child and the parent will not remain in his memory but a similar trip where the parent actively talks to the child regarding the animals and gives descriptions and comments will be memorable because of the narration.
• Older children instinctively gain the understanding that conscious and specific effort may be required to remember certain types of information. While a 3 or 4 year old will have no clue even to how to attempt remembering a certain number, at age five and beyond a child will at least attempt to do so. As children grow older they gain the understanding of various strategies that they can use for themselves in order to remember certain information.
• Games that encourage semantic organization of things into categories can stimulate the memory strategies in children when they can remember certain things by categorizing them. Older children even use techniques like elaboration, adding a visual hint or clue or associating certain things with others for better remembrance.

As memory is our most basic cognitive skill, it is important that parent exercise their child’s memory and teach them the strategies that may boost their personal and academic success. There are several ways in which parents can aid in their child’s memory developments. Some of them are listed below:

• Encourage memory related social, board and computer games. Such games require the use of active memory and this trains the child into using his effectively.
• When talking of past events be descriptive and use keywords that interest your child. This will train your child to categorize and tag events in such a way that he remembers them.
• Focus on helping your child with strategies that require him to remember things through intentional efforts. This will help him immensely in his academics.
• Praise and reward your child’s achievements that highlight efficient and focused use of his memory.