The Truth About the Memory of a Child

Your memory might feel certain, but it is not a recording. In this fascinating episode of Parenting and Personalities, Kate speaks with Associate Professor Celine Vangolde from the University of Sydney about how memory really works, especially in children. Celine explains why two people can live through the same moment and remember it differently, why memories are reconstructed rather than replayed, and how emotions, context, language, stress, and other people’s stories can change what we recall. The conversation moves from everyday family misunderstandings to child testimony in legal settings, showing parents how to listen more carefully, ask better questions, and stay curious rather than jumping to conclusions.  Listen For04:32 Is Memory Really Like a Video Recording in Our Brain?06:56 Are We Ever Telling the Full Truth When We Remember Something?10:35 Why Can Two People See the Same Thing So Differently?14:49 How Do Children’s Memories Develop as They Grow?19:26 Can Parents Trust What Their Children Remember?Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click Guest: Celine Vangolde, Associate Professor University of Sydney School of Psychology, Faculty of Science | Forensic Psychology and Memory ResearchOnline Bio | LinkedInWhat colour is the dress?Contact Kate:Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X