5 Ways to Help your Child Develop their Memory

When we were kids, there was so much memorization required. 

We had to memorize our phone numbers, simple math equations, directions, etc. 

Now that all of that information is stored in our phones, it’s easy to think "I don’t need to memorize anything".

BUT memorization is still an important skill for children to develop because it supports how they think, learn, and make sense of the world.

A strong memory plays an important role in:

• language development
• problem-solving
• attention
• following multi-step instructions
• connecting ideas
• building confidence in their own thinking

In everyday life, memory supports a child’s sense of security and independence because they begin to anticipate routines and remember what comes next. 

We talk all the time about how predictability makes young children feel safe and their memory plays a role in that.

4 Simple Ways To Help Your Child's Memory Develop Naturally

Memory doesn’t need to be taught through formal drills.

It develops naturally through everyday experiences, especially when children are given opportunities to repeat, revisit, and reflect.

Simple conversations are a powerful way to support this:

1. Talk about what happened earlier in your day, or what you noticed together on a walk.

This helps children practise recalling events in a natural and connected way.

2. Read the same books over and over.

While it may feel repetitive for adults, children benefit so much from the familiarity. They begin to anticipate language, notice patterns, and remember details with growing confidence.

3. Everyday routines also support memory development.

When children are involved in predictable sequences, like getting ready in the morning or tidying up, they start to internalize the order of events.

4. Give them time to think.

This is one of the most important things you can do to support your child’s developing memory.

It’s so tempting to jump in with the answer when a child pauses. We often do this naturally, wanting to help or keep things moving. But when we fill in the silence too quickly, we take away the opportunity for the child to retrieve the information themselves.

That pause is actually where a lot of learning happens. When a child is searching for an answer, they are actively working their memory. Remember how great it felt (before Google and smart phones) when you remembered something that you were trying to remember, sometimes for days, and it would suddenly come to you? 

If we can hold back and give children time to remember, we are giving them the chance to succeed on their own.

Often, they just need a little more time for the answer to surface. It also takes longer for children to process information, so they may simply be processing your question when taking a little extra time to answer.

Aside from everyday conversions, there's also some fun, simple ways to develop memory that feel more like play.

5 Fun Activities to Develop Memory

1. Memorizing phone numbers

Regardless of whether or not your child has access to a cell phone or smart watch, it’s still important for them to memorize at least one important phone number. 

A fun way to do this is to turn the phone number into a little "memory chant" or rhythm. 

You can clap, tap or even march while saying it out loud in chunks, for example: three digits – pause – three digits – pause – four digits.

Adding movement makes it much easier for children to remember because their body and brain are working together.

2. "What’s missing?" game

Place 3–5 familiar objects on a tray, let your child look at them, then cover them or ask them to close their eyes while you remove one.

Invite them to guess what’s gone. Start with fewer items and gradually increase the amount as your child’s confidence grows.

3. Daily "memory moments"

At dinner or before bed, talk about the day together: "What’s one thing we did this morning?" or "What did we see on our walk?" This helps children practice recalling real-life experiences.

4. Shopping list helper

Give your child one or two items to remember at the store, like bananas and milk.  

5. Sound or movement copying games

You do a simple sequence (clap, tap, stomp), and your child repeats it. You can slowly make it longer as they become more confident.