You’ve heard the term “executive functioning skills” but what does that really mean? These are cognitive processes that allow us to attend to events in our environment, plan and initiate actions, control our emotions, and manage time. Think of this set of processes like the conductor of an orchestra or air traffic controller. These skills became known as executive functions because they play a major role in helping a person execute or manage their behaviors. Some examples of these skills are emotional control, flexibility, sustained attention, task initiation, planning/prioritizing, organization, and time management.
While a child’s biology is a contributing factor to a student’s development, there is potential for experience to play a positive impact on these skills. Since there is something we can do to help our students develop these skills, let’s break down a few of these and consider what we can do as parents to help our students grow in these areas.\
Flexibility and Emotional Control
Life is full of surprises like cancelled playdates, unexpected homework assignments, or last-minute changes in routine. Some kids handle these shifts with ease, while others spiral into frustration. Teaching flexibility starts with modeling it yourself. When things don’t go as planned, verbalize your thought process: “I wasn’t expecting this, but I can adjust.” Pair that with emotional control by helping your child name and manage their feelings. Instead of saying, “This is the worst day ever!” encourage them to reframe: “I’m really disappointed, but I can find another solution.” Over time, this practice helps them bounce back from challenges instead of getting stuck in frustration.
Planning/Prioritizing and Time Management
If your child constantly underestimates how long homework will take or struggles to break big tasks into smaller steps, they may need extra coaching in this area. Try using a “backward planning” strategy: start with the due date and work backward to set mini-deadlines. Visual timers or checklists can also help kids see where their time is going. If they tend to procrastinate, introduce a strategy called the “10-minute rule”. Commit to working on a task for just 10 minutes, and more often than not, momentum keeps them going. Teaching these skills now sets them up for success, not just in school but in life.
We know that these executive functioning skills take time to develop, and we’re here to support both students and parents along the way. By building flexibility, emotional control, planning, and time management, we’re helping our kids grow into independent, capable, and confident young leaders.
For a more detailed study on executive functioning skill development, check out the book Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential.