How Can I Help a Child Become Less Forgetful?

I don't think you are asking too much. And don't consider your taking her away from what she's doing an interruption... it's a rule. Tell her she can have no more than 2 or 3 different toys out at a time and when she moves on to something new she needs to put away the toys first. If she's leaving lights on or leaving toys out, it is reasonable for you to nicely remind her that she forgot and have her take care of it immediately. You will not be teaching her to interrupt, you'll be holding her accountable for your house rules (make sure you make it a rule). When I notice my kids playing in a new part of the house I sometimes nicely remind them by saying, "Did you remember to put away your other toys? Are the lights off in the bathroom?, etc."

If you continue to pick up after her she'll learn that you'll come along and take care of things she should be taking care of. Can you imagine that as the years go on? Fix it now while it's just toys and lights.

Good luck!

I agree with the other advice, but just want to remind you... though it's probably not necessary... that she is just a second grader, and this is typical for her age. As I read the title at the top "How can I help a child become less forgetful?", my mind automatically changed it to "How can I help my child stop being a second grader?". Consistency is the key. The problem is, as adults we tend to get tired of keeping up with that consistency, and irritated when we have to keep on reminding a child. AND... it is ok to sometimes just flip a switch or pick up a toy for her as long as you continue trying to teach her to do these things for herself. One thing I would caution against, though. NEVER make a statement like "it's just easier to do it myself". My mother did that, and I can remember thinking "OK, I'll just make life easier for her and let her do it."

J.,

I completely agree with the other advice. My two cents are to no underestimate what you 2 year is capable of. She is old enough to turn lights, put toys away, etc. Make it a house rule, be consistent and always be polite/calm. I also make my girls put their dirty clothes in the laundry hamper and they help put groceries away (not always where I want them, but close enough). These are age-appropriate responsibilities.

Just my opinion, but I think it's OK to keep reminding her & praising when she remembers. It's important to catch our kids doing something right, to reinforce it. Maybe you could give her stickers that add up to a reward for doing things without being asked.

Sometimes really smart people are more "absent-minded". She could even have ADD or something, so it may be an on-going issue forever (like with my kid). Good luck!

J. -

I know it can be hard, but perhaps you need to be the parent here and not the friend. Our job as parents is to teach our children to do things for themselves so they will work well with other people, have a happy life and especially know what is expected of them. If you do everything for her she will not learn to do it herself. Her future roommates, friends and husband will not thank you for teaching her, as you have not.

You are the Mom, grow a backbone and make consequences for when she does not do what you ask her to do. Also, try asking and letting her know the consequences when she doesn't do what you ask. I hope this doesn't sound harsh - that's not my intent. But if you don't tackle this in 2nd grade what do you think she will be like in Middle School? Do it now and the consequences will be small and soon forgotten, then the consequences will be high and she will really hate you for it. Trust me.

Hope this helps,
Patti b

J.,
Hi, my 12 yr old has these same issues. It seems sometimes that I just repeat myself all day long.. If you figure out a way I would love to hear it!
I get the same excuse everyday "Sorry, I forgot". We then told her if she couldn't remember to do her chores & had to be constantly reminded that we would not pay her, her allowance. That worked for that day, not since. My kids have always gotten an age appropiate allowance. If she's 12, she gets $12.00 a week for her chores but ONLY if she does them & doesn't have to be reminded constantly.It sounded like a great idea but for our youngest it has not worked at all. Time to try a differnt approach, I just wish I knew what that was....
Let me know if you get any response from your child. I swear if I have to remind her one more time to turn off the ceiling fan before she goes to bed I think I will scream!
Good Luck,
L.