4 Best Ways to Boost Your Child’s Working Memory (And Daily Happiness)

​Working memory consists of short term information and the ability to manipulate it verbally and visually. It’s critical for success in school, at work, and in everyday living. Internet tips for boosting working memory are everywhere but research shows it boiling down to 4 skills: Mindfulness, Visualization, Relaxation, and Affirmation. These skills lower emotionally reactive behavior and are most effective for success. There’s also the bonus of developing lifelong coping strategies that make daily happiness a reality.

​1. Mindfulness

​How does being present in the moment help working memory? By noticing your inner and outer environment, you keep your mind from wandering – an essential skill for excelling in school. A fun way to practice this outside with your child is to go on a “rainbow walk.”

Have your child pick a rainbow color. Spend 5 minutes outside talking about everything in that color group. Then find a quiet place to sit down. Ask your child to close their eyes and listen to their surroundings. This focused listening heightens the senses. Then encourage your child to close their eyes and verbalize what they are smelling and feeling. Can they feel the wind? Can they hear birds in the background? Encourage your child to experience all of their senses. Can they describe what they touch? What are they seeing from top to bottom?

To practice self-awareness, set an alarm on your child’s phone each hour or two and when it goes off, ask what your child is feeling at that moment. Notice how quickly feelings come and go. Translating this skill to schoolwork means not having anxiety about an upcoming project or test. Instead a student can train themselves to calmly observe deadlines and focus on the work at hand. For more practice, check out your l