Children with poor working memory often struggle to manage tasks that require holding and processing multiple pieces of information. In the classroom, this might look like difficulty remembering sequences of instructions, losing their place when copying from the board, or forgetting parts of a maths problem. They may become frustrated or fatigued, as keeping up with peers takes much more mental effort.

At home, challenges with working memory can affect everyday activities such as following multi-step directions (“Put your shoes away, grab your coat, and meet me by the door”) or remembering what they need to pack for school. These difficulties can lead to stress for both the child and their family.