Building your first memories is a complex and dynamic process.
- From childhood, human memory is divided into two main types: procedural memory and episodic memory.
- Early memories are often formed during shared moments, influenced by the way parents describe and recount events.
- Understanding language allows the child to better anchor their memories in their mind, thus making them more lasting.
From the first years of his life, the child begins to weave the complex web of his memories by discovering the world. These first fragments of memory, essential to its development, are constructed at the intersection of the experience of its senses and social interactions.
The basics of memory in children
From childhood, human memory is divided into two main types:
• Procedural memory, which allows you to acquire motor skills such as walking or using cutlery, thanks to automatisms that will be deeply anchored.
• Episodic memory, which allows us to retain specific information linked to a lived experience, such as the face of a loved one or an emotionally significant event.
These two forms of memory work closely together to allow the child to build up a reservoir of personal and practical memories.
The role of interactions and language
Daily interactions between the child and those around him are crucial for building his memory. Early memories are often formed during shared moments, influenced by the way parents describe and recount events.
At the same time, the acquisition of language amplifies this ability to remember. Words and their meaning enrich neural networks, making memories more accessible and understandable. Understanding language allows him to better anchor his memories in his mind, thus making them more lasting.
In practice, playing regularly with your child, talking to him in new words, and asking him to talk about his experiences is very useful for stimulating his memory.
Attention and retention of memories
A child’s ability to remember is also linked to his or her attention skills. For a memory to take root, it must first capture one’s attention, be retained, and sometimes even be actively manipulated in one’s working memory.
This memory acts as a space where information is not only temporarily stored but also processed. Thus, a stimulating environment, rich in interactions and support, helps the child develop their ability to remember effectively.
Find out more: “24 hours in your child’s brain” by Erwan Deveze.