Development of a Toddler's Memory

Significance

• Once your child grows up, he may not recall those little moments when you showered him with kisses, read his favorite book five times or searched for clovers in the grass. But everyday activities build essential skills that develop his memory. According to Robin Barker, babies as young as nine months may begin to have symbolic thought, which "is like holding a picture record of objects, people and events." Between a child's 12 months and 18 months, you'll probably notice your child recalling more and more information.

The Language Factor

• Language and memory are intrinsically linked, so developing language skills is important. It's best for toddlers to learn language from people in their lives, not from TV or DVDs

  One of the easiest ways to develop your child's language skills is to talk to her constantly, beginning in infancy. Tell her what you're doing as you clean up the living room, tell him the colors of his clothes as you dress him. As he gets older, quiz him in a fun manner on animal sounds or things you pass during your walks. It won't be long before you see language and memory at work.

  Reading also helps build memory and language, so it's important to read frequently to your toddler. Story time at the local library is often a great activity. Skilled children's librarians incorporate music, reading and games such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider," often around a theme that's easy for toddlers to understand.

Importance of Play

• Play is another essential way to develop memory and is how children learn about the world. Games of make-believe, rolling trucks across the floor, drawing with chalk - any such activities are both fun and educational, particularly if you get down on the floor and play with them.

Considerations

• Toddlers like repetition, so it's important to establish reliable routines. Do the same thing every night, and your toddler will soon know what to expect; he may even start pulling out a book if you read to him every night or drag his beloved blanket toward his crib after he has brushed his teeth. And if you act out the same rhymes over and over, it won't be long before he knows what word comes next or starts doing the hand gestures with you.

Misconceptions

• Short-term memory isn't fully developed until age three, according to Robin Barker. You may think your toddler should remember why he can't throw the dog's food around or play on the stairs. He might just be testing you to see how you react, but maybe he really doesn't remember being told a hundred times why he can't do it.

  Just as with bedtime, repetition in such cases might be the key. React calmly, telling him why such behavior isn't acceptable and then distract him with another activity you'll both enjoy.