Tips to Help Kids Develop Executive Functioning Skills

If you’re able to set goals, meet deadlines, maintain self-control, and keep your things neat—that’s because of executive functioning. You see, executive functions are important for managing daily tasks.

Kids need them to be able to handle responsibilities as they grow!

Unfortunately, some children struggle with executive function deficits due to differences in their prefrontal cortex (PFC). It’s the part of the brain located at the front, right behind your forehead, and is responsible for complex mental processes.

Understanding Executive Function Deficits

Research suggests that ADHD is particularly associated with weaker function and structure in PFC circuits of the right hemisphere. This asymmetry in brain activity and structure can significantly impact executive functions which can manifest as:

• Difficulties in retaining information (impaired working memory)
  
• Struggles in creating and following through with plans
  
• Easily becoming distracted and making careless mistakes 
  
• Difficulty responding appropriately to stressors and regulating their emotions

How are Executive Function Deficits Treated?

Medications, such as stimulants, are commonly prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider. Research shows that they may influence cortical maturation.

Therapy techniques are also valuable since therapy teaches skills that make executive function deficits more manageable. As parents, we can definitely support our children’s executive function development using various coping strategies.

How to Help Kids Develop Executive Functioning Skills 

I would recommend implementing the following strategies at home and teaching them to your child or teen:

• Using daily to-do lists or posting sticky notes as reminders
  
• Following the same morning and evening routine each day
  
• Studying or completing their assignments in a distraction-free area
  
• Getting regular exercise (running, biking, dancing)
  
• Practicing calm-down strategies like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation

Don’t forget to praise your child for their effort. This helps them stay motivated to keep trying, which reinforces their positive behaviors over time.

P.S.: Unlock access to our comprehensive 29-page ADHD Handouts Bundle! It’s a toolbox for parents to gain more insights and kids and teens to learn valuable ADHD and executive functioning symptom management techniques.

*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on December 17, 2024.