It was a typical weekday evening, and Priya had just reminded her son, Malik, to finish his Math homework. Malik sat at the table, pencil in hand, looking like he was in the middle of a high-speed race. Ten minutes later, he jumped up and proudly announced, “All done!” with the kind of enthusiasm usually saved for pizza night.
Priya eyed him suspiciously. “That was quick. Let me take a look.”
She scanned the worksheet and frowned. The first few questions were answered incorrectly, and the back was completely skipped over.
“So, can I go play my Xbox now?”
Priya sighed, realizing speed had definitely won out over effort today.
What is Executive Function?
Executive functions (EFs) are essential cognitive processes that help individuals manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. For children, especially those with ADHD, executive dysfunction can lead to difficulties in school, home life, and social interactions.
So, what are the ten most important executive functions, and how do they impact a child's daily life?
1. Planning and Prioritization
Planning and prioritization are closely related skills. Planning involves determining the steps necessary to achieve a goal, while prioritization means deciding which tasks should take precedence. Children with executive function challenges often struggle with understanding what should come first or how to break a task into smaller, manageable parts. Helping them think through their day or week, such as involving them in meal planning for dinner will build their planning skills.
2. Organization
Whether it’s keeping track of assignments or knowing where belongings are, organization provides a framework for managing daily life efficiently. As more work becomes digitized, kids need to adapt to organizing their materials and tasks using apps for note-taking, digital calendars, or task management.
3. Time Management
Understanding time, how long tasks take, and how to allocate time are the core components of time management. For many children, especially those with ADHD, managing time can feel like a race against the clock. They may underestimate how long something takes or procrastinate, only to end up in a crunch at the last minute. Learning to manage time through visual timers, set schedules, and designated breaks can provide structure and predictability in a child’s routine.
4. Working Memory
Working memory is the brain’s capacity to hold and manipulate information for short periods. Children with working memory challenges often struggle to follow multi-step directions, recall important details, or keep track of information like classroom instructions or math steps. You can try using visual aids like picture schedules, flowcharts, and diagrams to help your child compensate for poor memory.
5. Impulsivity and Inhibition
The ability to control impulses and avoid acting without thinking is another critical executive function. Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, leading to difficulties staying seated, waiting their turn, or refraining from interrupting others. Strategies such as structured routines and clear expectations can support children in developing greater impulse control over time. For example, a child constantly interrupting can be supported by teaching them to identify natural pauses or breaks during conversations.
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6. Initiating Tasks (Anti-Procrastination)
Children with ADHD and executive function challenges are more likely to procrastinate. Strategies like working for just five minutes, using an accountability partner, or breaking a task into small steps can help kids begin a task without feeling overwhelmed. Regular routines and scheduled time for tasks also help reduce procrastination tendencies.
7. Focus and Follow-Through
Focus and follow-through refer to the ability to maintain attention on a task and persistently complete it, despite distractions or obstacles. The digital age is rife with distractions, making it harder for children to stay on task. Using timers, breaking tasks into smaller parts, and methods like the Pomodoro technique can support focus. Accountability partners can also provide added motivation to keep going.
8. Emotional Control
Emotional control and executive function go hand in hand—using healthy ways to manage emotions helps boost executive functioning, while unhealthy strategies can make it harder to focus. But since both draw on the same mental resources, handling emotions can sometimes make it tougher to concentrate on tasks. Children who struggle with emotional control may have meltdowns, react impulsively, or have difficulty reframing challenges positively. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness strategies can help children develop adaptive thinking patterns and manage their emotional responses.
9. Flexible Thinking
Flexible thinking, or cognitive flexibility, is the ability to adapt to new situations and think about things from different perspectives. For children with executive function challenges, rigid thinking can lead to frustration when things don’t go as expected. For example, a child who has a hard time adapting to a change in weekend plans can be supported by helping them develop flexible thinking skills that can involve discussing multiple ways to solve a problem.
10. Self-Awareness and Metacognition
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while metacognition refers to thinking about thinking – both are high-level skills. Children usually start developing metacognition at around two years old. By the time they are 5 to 8 years old, they can accurately assess how well they are doing and judge their level of certainty or uncertainty. Self-awareness also plays a crucial role in social interactions, helping children navigate friendships and group dynamics more effectively.
Supporting Executive Function Development
While many children develop these skills naturally, those with ADHD or executive function challenges may require extra support. Understanding these ten executive functions can give parents and educators a roadmap for helping children build critical skills for lifelong success.
If your child struggles with executive function skills, don’t just wait for them to “figure it out themselves.” Personalized support from an Executive Function coach can make all the difference. Book a consultation today at Habit Coach!
