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How to Boost Your Child's Memory

The key to your child's success in school later? Finding ways to improve their memory now. Luckily, there's plenty parents can do to strengthen this essential learning tool.

Try Memory-Boosting Games
Childhood favorites like Memory, Simon Says, and Concentration can boost your child's brainpower. Road trips can be another opportunity to build recollection skills with the help of I Spy type games ("Can you spot the red car?"). Or you can simply get on the floor with your child and play with his toys. Show him the red ball and the blue ball. A few minutes later, take one of them away and see if he can tell you which one is gone.

Make Time for Play
Regular physical activity has been dubbed "Miracle Grow" for the brain, says Tricia Ferrara, a family therapist and creator of the Parenting in the 21st Century audio series. "Extensive research shows that as our bodies move, we produce a biochemical cocktail that primes the brain to learn and strengthens connections that enhance memory. Children should be given ample opportunity to run around, climb trees, and play physical games before, during, and after learning."
Stick with a Routine
A child technically does not truly understand the concept of sharing until about the age of 5, says Sara Lise Raff, an educational consultant and mom of three. "However, a child can be taught to understand some basic rules, such as waiting your turn ('he goes, then you go'), if you walk away from a toy it is open for anyone to come and play with it, and if you bring your toy to a play date, then everyone there gets to play with it."
Ask Questions
Research has shown discussing previous events will help improve your child's memory, according to DeAnn Davies of Phoenix Children's Hospital. "For example, after you are at the park ask questions like, 'Who was at the park?', 'What was her name?' Not only will these types of questions help with memory, but they also will help a child recognize the importance of noting details and remembering," Davies says. You also can query your little one after reading a story, asking "What happened first in the story?" and "What did the little pig say to the big bad wolf?"
Sing a Song
Music is a powerful sticking agent, says Tricia Ferrara, a family therapist and creator of the Parenting in the 21st Century audio series. "Ever wonder why you can remember the lyrics of a television theme song from childhood and not one sentence of dialogue?," Ferrara says. "Music is a pre-language learning tool, and research shows that it can be a powerful memory booster." For older toddlers, parents can put directives to music, such as making up a little song on how to tie your shoes. For younger tots, you can simply make a game out of remembering lyrics. So the next time you're belting out your own rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, be sure to leave out some of the words so that your child can fill them in for you
Ask for Help
Toddlers are trying their best to be more independent, and as a result they often want to be mommy and daddy's little helper. So the next time you have to run to the market, ask your child to remember a few of the items you need to buy. Not only will it be a good memorizing experience for your child, but it will also make him feel special -- and hopefully keep any whining about having to run errands with you to a minimum!
Bring on the Fun!
"My son has trouble remembering where he put his shoes, but he can recite, verbatim, the funny NFL Super Bowl commercials from 2007," says Tricia Ferrara, a family therapist and creator of the Parenting in the 21st Century audio series. It shouldn't come as a surprise that studies point to the fact that we have incredibly strong recall for things we find enjoyable, so find a way to add some humor to your lessons (a funny song to go with learning to use the potty or a colorful book to help with the ABCs).

Source​ ៖ www.parents.com

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