Let's talk life:How do I boost my memory?

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor

Dear Counsellor:

I am a college student who is having difficulty remembering my schoolwork. I want to get honours, but these memory lapses are causing problems for me. Do you have any suggestions?

- Monique

Dear Monique,

Study skills and examination techniques are things that you need to practise every day. You need to set your priorities and manage your stress levels. You need to develop a study plan and review it from time to time. Motivation is important and you need to have a system of reward to encourage you along. Remember that reward sweetens labour. Hard work and perseverance are key.

Forgetting is a normal part of life. You, therefore, need to organise yourself and put memory aids in place. Set a timetable to follow and try and stick with it. Each evening you need to spend some time studying and research the topics that have been covered in class. Get in the habit of teaching yourself and asking the tutor for assistance. Independent students are very successful because they spend time practising their work.

Some people prefer to work alone while some prefer group work. Organisation will help the memory. Carry a book with you whenever you have appointments that require waiting. Use cards to write essential items and carry them around with you. Whenever you have free time, just look at the cards.

Practise writing essays and correcting them. Anticipate the questions that the teacher may ask and seek the answers. Quiz your teacher and ask for sample questions. Get past papers of each subject and attempt all questions. Get a group of fellow students and practise quizzing each other. Mark each other's papers and give feedback on the questions.

Take your supplements and get some sleep. Exercise is important as well.

How do I stop my 3-y-o from biting?

Dear Counsellor:

My three-year-old son is biting the children in preschool and fighting a lot. His teacher said that he is talkative and disruptive in the classroom. How can we discipline my son?

- Carol

Dear Carol,

Three-year-olds tend to be hyperactive and disruptive. They are full of energy and need to be given opportunity to expend the energy. At home, he will be involved in various activities. Playtime is important at home and at school. Children this age needs to have activities like singing, drama and colouring. What I am saying is that you need to occupy your son appropriately.

Why is he biting? He needs to learn that biting is not acceptable. He should be monitored closely and supervised with the other children. Talk to him about the biting. Assess why he is biting. What are the triggers for biting? He may not like to share with the other children or think that the children are taking his belongings. Many children follow the behaviour of the adults around them. Are the other children behaving in an aggressive manner? How is he being discipline?

Discipline is about teaching the children values and attitude. It is not about punishment, it is about teaching appropriate behaviours. Teach by role-modelling and coaching.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.