Understanding Working Memory: Why It Matters for Your Child’s Learning

Why does your child forget instructions so quickly?

You're helping your 9-year-old with math homework. You explain the three steps to solve a problem, and they nod along. But a minute later, they’re stuck again. Not because they didn’t understand — but because they simply can’t remember what to do next.

This isn’t a sign of laziness or lack of ability. It could be linked to something many parents have never heard of: working memory.

What exactly is working memory?

Working memory is like a mental sticky note. It helps us hold and manipulate information in real time. For children aged 6 to 12, it’s essential for everything from following instructions in class to solving problems and reading with understanding.

Imagine asking your child to “go upstairs, get your backpack, and bring down your library book.” If your child regularly comes back without one (or more) of those things, weak working memory could be to blame.

This brain function plays a crucial role in learning—and for many children, especially those who struggle at school, it’s a hidden challenge.

The impact on schoolwork

Children rely on working memory constantly during the school day. They use it to:

• Keep track of the teacher’s instructions while beginning a task
• Remember story elements while reading so they can comprehend the whole
• Apply a multi-step strategy in math
• Write sentences while remembering grammar rules and content plans

When working memory is overloaded, errors creep in—not because your child doesn’t know the material, but because they couldn’t hold all the needed pieces in their mental workspace.

This is especially true if they’re dealing with distraction or cognitive overload. If you've noticed your child struggling with staying focused, that’s often connected to limitations in working memory.

Everyday signs your child may have working memory challenges

Working memory is a bit like the RAM on a computer — you don't see it, but everything depends on it functioning well. Here are a few subtle signs it might be running low:

• Your child often forgets what they’re doing while doing it
• They frequently lose track of multi-step instructions
• They abandon tasks halfway or seem easily frustrated by schoolwork
• They ask you to repeat things multiple times

If you think this resonates, it could be helpful to explore whether broader cognitive challenges are present—although working memory struggles can certainly exist on their own.

How you can help at home

As a parent, your goal isn’t to fix your child’s memory—it’s to support it. That means creating an environment and routines that don’t overburden their internal resources. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Break things down

Give short, one-step directions and check comprehension gently. Waiting for your child to ask again before repeating information may not be the most effective strategy—they might be too embarrassed or too overwhelmed to ask.

2. Use visual supports

Charts, checklists, and step-by-step diagrams can help your child see what to do without having to remember all the pieces. If your child is working on a complex science topic, snapping a photo of the lesson and turning it into a quiz through the Skuli App can transform passive information into active recall, helping the brain keep ideas accessible longer.

3. Play memory-building games

Games like "Simon Says", card matching, or even verbal memory challenges (“I’m going to the store and buying…”) are excellent for strengthening working memory in a low-pressure way. We recommend trying out some of the ideas from our list of brain-boosting games.

4. Storytelling and active use

Reading a book and asking your child to retell what happened — or better yet, come up with an alternate ending — exercises memory while also building logic and creativity. You can nurture these skills daily, even outside homework time. Thinking about ways your child might better structure information logically in their brains? Take a look at our guide on introducing logical thinking skills.

Patience, not pressure

It’s important to remember that working memory develops gradually. Children aren’t born with fully functioning brains—they’re still laying down the neurological highways that allow for better planning, focus, retention, and problem-solving. For an overview of how these skills evolve, you might enjoy our discussion on cognitive development stages.

Try not to let frustration take over when your child forgets, fumbles, or seems flustered. Offer cues, post visual reminders, talk through tasks together, and most of all — be the safe place they can return to when their memory lets them down.

Final thoughts

Working memory is like that backstage assistant making a performance run smoothly—it doesn’t grab the spotlight, but without it, everything falls apart. If your child struggles with keeping track of things mentally, know that they're not alone—and they’re not broken.

With the right tools, repetition, and loving guidance, you can help bolster this essential skill and make homework and learning less stressful for your family. Slow progress is still progress, especially when accompanied by understanding and care.