Shared storytelling can boost your toddler’s memory skills
Research shows that children as young as 13 months are already creating memories, even if they won’t remember them years from now. For example, your toddler is able to recall what happened to them earlier in the day or week—and those memories play an important role in early learning.
Tell your toddler the story of their day
To encourage your child’s budding memory skills, you can talk about your shared experiences during calm moments, like mealtimes, bath time, or before bed. Include the who, what, where, and why when you tell them stories about their day.
For example, when your toddler is taking a bath, you can say: “Remember this morning, when I had to take the garbage bags out to the curb and you watched me from the window? It was raining and my hair got so wet! And you touched my hair and felt that it was all wet, just like yours is now!” By adding details, you help them link what happened earlier to the current moment.
This type of storytelling builds your toddler’s memory, vocabulary, and understanding. As your toddler starts saying more words, they can add to the stories, too. For now, try to pause throughout the story to let your toddler contribute, even with just a glance, smile, or head shake.
Learn more about the research
Bauer, P. J. (1996). What do infants recall of their lives? Memory for specific events by one- to two-year-olds. American Psychologist, 51(1), 29–41.
Keep reading
16 - 18 Months
19 - 21 Months
What you need to know about the ‘word burst’
Eighteen months is a common age for rapid language growth, but it can happen anytime between 15 and 24 months. Research suggests that once a toddler can say 50 words or so, their spoken vocabulary takes off. Discover the best ways to encourage your toddler’s language skills. In this post: When will your toddler’s word … Continued
2-year-old
16 - 18 Months
19 - 21 Months
22 - 24 Months
The power of doing something over and over 🙃
Through repetition, your toddler deepens their understanding of how things work and strengthens their brain architecture. They also develop focus and persistence, two key executive function skills. In this post: Your toddler gains confidence when they successfully complete a task. Simple repetitive play offers rewards When playing with the Carrots and Carrot Lid for the … Continued
16 - 18 Months
19 - 21 Months
22 - 24 Months
How many words should your toddler be able to say?
The average vocabulary at 18 months is about 50 words, but toddlers can say far more or fewer and still be on track.