Executive Functioning Skills
As a parent, you may already be familiar with the morning scramble to get your child out the door, the forgotten homework, or the bedtime struggle that seems to last forever. These challenges can be due to underdeveloped executive functioning skills—the mental processes that help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.
The good news? Executive functioning skills can be taught, practiced, and strengthened over time. And you, as a parent, play a critical role in helping your child build these lifelong tools.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning is like the brain’s “management system.” It includes:
Working memory – holding and using information in your mind.
Inhibitory control – resisting impulses and staying focused.
Cognitive flexibility – adapting to new situations and shifting attention when needed.
Planning and organization – setting goals and breaking them into manageable steps.
Task initiation and follow-through – getting started and finishing tasks.
These skills don’t develop overnight. In fact, they continue maturing into early adulthood, however, the foundation is laid in childhood—especially during the elementary years.
How You Can Help at Home
Here are some practical, developmentally appropriate ways to support your child:
Establish Consistent Routines
Routines create predictability and reduce mental load. Have set times for waking up, doing homework, meals, and bedtime. Use visual schedules or checklists with pictures for younger kids to make routines easier to follow.
Try this: Post a morning checklist on the fridge: Brush teeth, get dressed, pack backpack, eat breakfast.Break Down Tasks
Children often get overwhelmed when faced with complex instructions. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. A couple of steps at a time is a good start.
Try this: Instead of saying “Clean your room,” break it down: “Pick up your toys, then make your bed.”Model Organization and Planning
Your child learns by watching you. Talk through your own planning process. Use calendars, timers, and sticky notes to show how you keep track of responsibilities.
Try this: Plan a family outing together—make a list of what to pack, when to leave, and how long the drive will take.Practice Goal-Setting
Teach your child to set simple, achievable goals and track their progress. This builds motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Try this: “This week, let’s practice putting your shoes in the cubby every day. If you remember 4 out of 5 days, we’ll pick a small prize together.”Play Games That Build Skills
Games like Simon Says, Memory, Uno, and puzzles help children practice impulse control, memory, and flexible thinking—all while having fun.Create an Organized Environment
Set up designated spaces for school supplies, backpacks, and homework. Label bins and use color coding to make it easier for your child to stay organized.Encourage Self-Talk and Reflection
Help your child talk through problems and reflect on what strategies worked or didn’t. This builds metacognition—thinking about thinking.
Try this: “You finished your homework on time today! What helped you stay focused?”
Final Thoughts
Building executive functioning is a long-term journey. There will be setbacks—and that’s okay. Celebrate small wins, model flexibility, and remember that frustration is a natural part of learning. Supporting executive functioning isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every reminder, every routine, every patient conversation helps your child grow into a confident, capable thinker, which equips them for life.