My child is struggling 
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Play other games, too. Here's a low-tech way to work that working memory. Grab a newspaper or magazine and give your child 30 seconds to circle all the letter As or all the instances of a particular word. "This kind of quick visual scanning is linked to working memory," she says.
Or, when on a road trip, have your kids say aloud the kinds of cars they see. Then have them recall the names in reverse order. "Remembering something in backward sequence is a key feature of working memory," she adds.
Encourage exercise. High-intensity exercise like running or biking may also improve working memory. In a study of female young adults, working memory increased following recovery from intensive treadmill running. By increasing blood flow, this type of exercise may allow you to use working memory better.
Provide better "fuel" for better work. Certain nutrients can help your child's brain work better, too. Omega-3 fatty acids can make a big difference to working memory, says Alloway. It keeps pathway between nerves more flexible, which allows information to pass more quickly. DHEA-enriched eggs or fish with Omega-3 are two excellent choices. Studies have also shown that a cup of blueberries every day for five weeks can improve working memory.
If your child has poor working memory, don't give up. There's so much you can do to help. No one needs to struggle without making progress.
| Free online games that practice memory-building skills: |
Additional Resources
- A workout for working memory (American Psychological Association)
- Don't Forget: Memory Tips for ADHD Students [and those with LD]
- Working Memory Capacity and the Wandering Mind
- Improving Working Memory: Supporting Students' Learning by Tracy Packiam Alloway
- The Learning Brain: Memory and Brain Development in Children
Annie Stuart is a freelance writer and editor with nearly 25 years of experience. She specializes in consumer health, parenting, and learning disabilities, among other areas.
