Children are often easily distracted, making it harder to focus and 'encode' memories properly.

Imagine trying to remember a new recipe while someone is constantly tapping you on the shoulder and talking about something else. That's a bit like what a child's world can be like. Their ability to pay attention, especially to one thing for a long time, is still developing. When they're distracted, their brain doesn't properly 'save' the information in the first place. Memory isn't just about recalling; it starts with paying attention and taking the information in, a process called 'encoding'. If that initial step is weak because of distractions or a short attention span, the memory won't be stored strongly, and it will be much harder to find later.