Forgetfulness in Children

Parents can grow irate when children forget to do chores or homework. If your child forgets often, it's best to look deeper for the real cause.

Look at Sleep Problems First

• A cold, allergies or other illness may prevent your child from getting a good night's sleep. Over time, this can disrupt memory in many ways. Try to correct sleep problems first and foremost.

Consider Stress in Your Child

• Children can grow nervous worrying about family stress, divorce issues, upcoming exams at school or other issues. This can affect their ability to remember many things.

Busyness Can Cause Forgetfulness

• If your child is too busy with sports, music and other activities, she may be mentally overloaded. The mind can rebel against too much busyness. If memory problems persist, help your child cut back her schedule.

Kids Can Try to Block Information

• If a child feels criticized by a teacher, the anxiety can cause that child to "forget" homework instructions and other crucial information. A parent who is unkind can make a child block out what was said.

Use Gentle Reminders

• If your child forgets his lunchbox or his soccer shoes, never criticize your child. Stop to think what might help. You could put a list in his backpack or place a bulletin board by the back door.

Humor Can Keep Self-Esteem Intact

• Laugh about your own forgetfulness, if your child seems to be having a chronic problem. You do not want the forgetfulness to harm your child's ego. Reassure your child and actively help her review things she needs to remember each day.