Don’t You Remember?

It’s something I’ve noticed for awhile now. Somehow my son Brooks can remember every cent of allowance owed to him, yet for the life of him cannot recall where he left his uniform when we’re already ten minutes late for a game...

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Comments

[Jamie]

WOW! Thank you so much for addressing this. I thought that my 11 year old was losing his mind. When he was younger he could remember everything. Now he can't remember ANYTHING! Or at least it seems that way to me.

[kim p]

yes my daughter forgets sometimes not always.

[Katherine Grice]

It seems to be the norm for that age group. It's as if nothing exists but their wants and desires. I have found that the only thing that works is giving them an option: ""Do this or loose this. It's up to you."

When I make that statement, it's as if a veil has been lifted from her eyes. Things get done.

I believe this is a stage that all children go through.....discovering themselves.

Have heart, don't give up. It will be better soon.

[Kelly Ubl]

Is it normal for kids to have this selective memory when they are 12 going on 13? At what point do I say enoughs enough. My daughter will forget what I've told her to do in 5 minutes.

[Brandie Mason]

My son Craig is 10 and only remembers something if it has to do with something he wants or wants to do. I thought it was because of the ADHD but I now realize alot of kids his age act the same way

[Stuee]

yes it seems like most tweens forget things sometimes....Kriss forgets things like going back to recheck the water buckets for the dogs.

OMG,my 11yr old can remember something that personally pertains to her that might have been referenced 3 weeks ago, but can not remember 3 out of 4 steps to a chore I give her.

[WANDA]

MY DAUGTHER ALWAY FORGET TO CLEAN THE DISH BUT IF YOU ASK HER HOW HAVEING A PARTY SHE CAN TELL YOU AND SHE IS 12YRS.

[Shameka]

My 9 year old always forgets to start the dishwasher at night. She always remembers anything that is a positive for her. I think kids that age need to be treated for alzheimers,lol..

[gjtrue]

My children can never remember who's turn it is to clean the kitchen. But they can always remember that I mentioned taking everyone out for pizza last month!

[gjtrue]

My children can never remember who's turn it is to clean the kitchen. But they can always remember that I mentioned taking everyone out for pizza last month!

[BB]

I was just talking about this to my sister yesterday and saying how much it is driving me crazy. My 12 year old son who used to be so responsible just glazes over and acts like nothing has ever been said to him or asked of him. But he'll remember three weeks out that someone wanted to go to the movies with him!! How long does this last???

[eileen grupp-opala]

I thought I was the only one out there were my 11yrs tunes out everything I say - nice to hear company loves misery and it is only temporay :)

[Elizabeth]

I have the same problem. My son is 10, and we have been going through thins since...oh....he was BORN! It is a constant battle. If it doesn't pertain to Star Wars, LEGO or playstation/computer, he won't remember it! Constantly reminding him every night, about 5+ times a night, to chew wiht his mouth closed. When it comes to chores, there is a chore chart, and he has been doing them for over a year now, and he still forgets to do them. When putting a dish away, he can't remember where it goes, but has put it away several times before. It is so frustrating. I am glad that we aren't the only one's. When does it end? In my case...never...? So it feels.

[Toni]

My 10 yr old step son FORGETS EVERYTHING, unless he wants something. You would think that routine would help them remember or at least know that they have something to do at the same time everyday. (like brushing teeth in the morning and b4 he goes to bed!!)Thanks for letting me know I am not the only one!!

[renee]

My teens come to visit. No matter what avenues I try to keep things together. These kids seem to forget on accident something.

[Pamela]

My son is 12yrs old and forgets everything, I have to repeat myself so much, at times I just get so frustrated with him. He only remembers what he wants to and if it benefits him. I have the same problem with him washing dishes, he doesnot wipe down the stove or sink, and water is everywhere and this is just about everyday, so we are constantly at it, and I am having another boy in October, and already have two other sons ages, 3 and 6-1/2. It will never end

[Tracy]

That fits my son to a tee. He only remembers the things that matter to him most. He can remember facts he has read about animals 1 month or more ago, but cant remember where he put his shoes 20 minutes ago.

[Louise]

Yes this fits my son to the T but did we decide when this gets better?

[Michelle]

Wow! I really did think it was just MY 11 year-old son! I'm so glad to know I'm not alone. My only questions are: 1) How long does it last? and 2) What is the best way to dealing with this behavior? :-)

[Cathy]

My 9 year-old son is always forgetting things, even after they've been repeated to him SEVERAL times. I thought he just didn't care, or was tuning me out. After reading this article, I can understand why he does it a bit more and will try to be a bit more patient.