Every month, William\u2019s mom buys new school supplies, and every few months, another backpack or\u00a0jacket. Her son keeps losing them at\u00a0school or\u00a0leaving them on\u00a0the bus.<\/p>\n
Sound familiar? Let\u2019s look at\u00a0why this happens and how to\u00a0help your child deal with forgetfulness.<\/p>\n
At\u00a0first glance, it\u00a0might seem like your child is\u00a0just careless or\u00a0irresponsible. But in\u00a0reality, this often has to\u00a0do\u00a0with how their brain is\u00a0developing and the challenges kids between ages 7\u00a0and 12\u00a0naturally face.<\/p>\n
The ability to\u00a0keep track of\u00a0belongings depends on\u00a0specific brain functions\u00a0\u2014 the ones that help\u00a0us plan, check that everything\u2019s packed, and finish what we\u00a0start. Between ages 7\u00a0and\u00a012, these executive functions are still forming. That\u2019s why losing things isn\u2019t a\u00a0sign of\u00a0laziness or\u00a0defiance\u00a0\u2014 it\u2019s simply part of\u00a0growing\u00a0up.<\/p>\n
Some children, especially those with ADHD or\u00a0autism spectrum traits, may have stronger difficulties with organization and attention. But even without a\u00a0diagnosis, many kids get lost in\u00a0their thoughts, focusing only on\u00a0what feels important to\u00a0them, not to\u00a0adults. Others may just have personality traits that make staying organized harder. In\u00a0short, this forgetful stage is\u00a0a\u00a0normal part of\u00a0development.<\/p>\n
We\u00a0can help kids become more organized\u00a0\u2014 one small step at\u00a0a\u00a0time. Visual reminders and cues can help.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, in\u00a0trying to\u00a0\u201cteach responsibility,\u201d parents go\u00a0too far by\u00a0scolding, comparing, or\u00a0correcting their child in\u00a0front of\u00a0others. But these reactions usually backfire. They increase anxiety, lower self-esteem, and make it\u00a0even harder for the child to\u00a0stay focused and organized.<\/p>\n
\u2800<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to\u00a0remember: losing things is\u00a0a\u00a0normal part of\u00a0development for boys between 7\u00a0and\u00a012, not a\u00a0flaw in\u00a0character. Patience, empathy, and gentle structure help much more than criticism.<\/p>\n