How Can I Help a Teen Boy With His Memory?

Memory is a brain activity that allows us to store information. Storing information is essential, especially for teenagers who need to retain information to succeed at their studies. Short-term memory retains information that is necessary for functionality. Once the information is no longer required or we do not commit it to long-term memory, the information will be lost. Information that is committed to long-term memory is more permanent. Committing information to long-term memory takes effort and there are several methods you can utilize to help your teenage boy develop his memorizing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Quiet stress-free environment
• Foods rich in Omega-3 oils
• Foods rich in anti-oxidants

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Instructions

• 1

  Create a rich context for information in order to increase you teen's chances of storing it in long-term memory. Create pathways to different parts of the brain by adding auditory or visual stimulus associated with the facts you want him to remember. This includes pictures, videos, music, making up songs out of those facts, mind maps and other stimuli. Audio and visual information is stored in different parts of the brain. Creating more pathways means creating more points of access to stored information.

• 2

  Repeat information or facts. Repetition may mean simply reading or saying the fact a number of times, or using it in different ways. For example, if you want to remember the names of famous figures in history, repeat the name several times. Write sentences containing the names, use them in a crossword or play a word game utilizing the names.

• 3

  Create an environment where teen boys can focus on their studies. Even if they say they can study better with the TV or music on, they can't. Exterior stimulus will use up part of their brain and distract them from their studies. The environment must be comfortable and stress free. Teens will find it difficult to remember if they are feeling stressed. Focus on one thing at a time. Allow your teen to take regular breaks so that information can be processed.

• 4

  Ensure that your teen sleeps for at least eight hours a night. Lack of sleep reduces the ability to focus and commit information to memory. Regular exercise is also essential to improve blood flow to the brain and blood pressure.

• 5

  Consume foods which are rich in Omega-3. Omega-3 improves brain health and can be found in pumpkin and flax seed, walnuts, fish and soy products. Foods high in anti-oxidants also boost memory retention. Fruits and vegetables are high in anti-oxidants, especially leafy greens, cantaloupe, apricots and watermelons.