Does my child need executive functioning skills?

As parents, we often focus on academic achievements and grades when it comes to our children's education. However, there's another set of skills that are equally vital but often overlooked: executive functioning skills. These skills serve as the backbone for success in school and beyond, shaping how children plan, organize, and execute tasks. From completing homework assignments to navigating social interactions, executive functioning skills are indispensable.

What Are Executive Functioning Skills?

Executive functioning skills encompass a range of mental processes that enable individuals to manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions effectively. They include:

1. Inhibition: The ability to control impulses and resist distractions.

2. Working Memory: Holding and manipulating information in mind while performing tasks.

3. Cognitive Flexibility: Shifting perspectives or strategies when faced with new situations or challenges.

4. Planning and Organization: Setting goals, creating plans, and managing time and resources.

5. Self-Monitoring: Evaluating one's own performance and adjusting behaviors accordingly.
   

The Link Between Executive Functioning and Academic Success

Strong executive functioning skills are closely linked to academic achievement. Consider a child who struggles with inhibition; they may find it challenging to resist the temptation of distractions, leading to difficulty focusing on class lectures or completing assignments without getting sidetracked. Similarly, a child with poor working memory may struggle to follow multi-step instructions or recall important information during exams.

Moreover, executive functioning skills play a crucial role in higher-order thinking processes such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. These skills are essential not only for grasping complex academic concepts but also for navigating the demands of school life effectively.

The Importance of Intervention and Support

Fortunately, executive functioning skills are not set in stone. With targeted intervention and support from an occupational therapist, children can develop and strengthen these skills over time.

Fostering Executive Functioning Skills at Home

Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children's executive functioning skills. Here are some practical ways to support your child's development:

1. Establish routines: Consistent routines provide structure and predictability, helping children develop a sense of time management and organization.

2. Encourage organizational systems: Set the expectation that their room, desk backpack, etc are to stay organized. Set time aside each week for them to get things organized for example Sunday could be a designated day to prepare for the week. Help them establish systems for keeping things categorized and organized through dividers, containers, etc.

3. Encourage Visualization: the ability to future plan is done by visualizing what is to come. When your child is starting a project ask them to start by visualizing what the final project will look like. When they are planning their day ask them to visualize their day and what they might need.

4. Try not to be their executive functioning for them: if you make your child lists, always remind them what they need to do, what not to forget, or how much time they need, you may inadvertently be keeping them from establishing those EF skills themselves. Rather than say "Don't forget your coat" try saying "If it gets cold today what will you need?". Rather than say "Get your soccer gear" say "It's Tuesday. What do you need?". Each time they have to think about the future themselves, it helps them gain that skill.

5. Allow natural consequences: If your child walks out the door without their lunch etc try not to bring it to them if it's not absolutely necessary. They need the experience of being inconvenienced to determine they need to establish a system to better remember their things. Support them in coming up with a plan like a place they put things that need to go to school with them.

6. Model executive functioning behaviors: Demonstrate organization, planning, and problem-solving skills in your own daily activities, serving as a positive role model for your child.

In today's fast-paced world, strong executive functioning skills are more important than ever for academic success and overall well-being. By recognizing the significance of these skills and actively supporting their development, parents can empower their children to thrive in school and beyond.

By Tonya Zimring, MS, OTR/L

Thrive Baby Therapy

Fairfax, CA