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Another Skill Not to Forget
Working on Toddlers' Short- and Long-term Memory
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Parents devoting their time to improving memory is crucial, Rounds says. In the car, games can be played, discussions had, songs sung, questions asked and repeated from previous discussions. As an example, Rounds says to try something like, "Oh, there is a farm. Do you remember who lives on the farm?"
Rounds loves the Memory Game, as well as puzzles. Having your child help with the laundry is a good task, as sorting involves classification of items.
Sequencing skills can be established with making a bed. Unloading a dishwasher, recycling and generally involving your child in household activities will all help. "You can really take advantage of the holidays in each month and discuss daily what 'thanksgiving' means," Rounds says. "Sharing stories about family is valuable."
Dr. Stamm suggests playing hide-and-seek with toys together. Take walks and point out the same things routinely seen along the way. Play games that have an aspect of "anticipation" of what comes next. "All these things improve and 'exercise' memory," she says.
One of the most important things you can do, experts agree, is to read to your child. This is one strategy that Stacey Goldsamt of Gaithersburg, Md., is familiar with as she has read to her wo children daily since they were born.
