Did you know that children with strong executive functioning skills are better equipped to regulate their emotions manage their time, stay organized, and make sound decisions?
Children with poor executive functioning skills are more likely to exhibit frequent uncontrolled outbursts, aggressive behavior, defiance, challenges with focusing attention, completing tasks, and adapting to new situations.
Without proper support and intervention, these behaviors can worsen over time, and persist into adulthood.
If this sounds familiar you are not alone. This is something I hear from parents every day. I want you to know that these behaviors are not a reflection of your parenting skills, but rather a sign that your child needs extra support to develop their executive functioning skills.
Children are not born with executive functioning skills – they are born with the potential to develop them. Children struggling in this area have great potential bubbling beneath the surface, but they need help to get there.
Just like any other skill, with the right support, these capabilities can become strong and automatic, helping your child to become more emotionally regulated.
Why is this important?
If we don’t take action to help our kids, we’re going to experience a new generation without the ability to regulate their behavior or have insight into their actions.
Without the ability to think about their thinking they’ll be unable to formulate effective arguments to stand up for what is right for themselves or others. As a society we’re at a tipping point, so the time to change it, is right now.
Here are some little-known facts about executive functioning:
1. They can be enhanced through practical strategies
2. They are interconnected
3. They are not a measure of intelligence
4. Executive functioning skills affect all areas of life
5. Children are not born with these skills, only the potential to develop them.
And the most important…
Your Child’s Behavior Is Not Permanent!
Executive functioning skills can be developed and improved over time. These skills are not solely determined by genetics or inherent neuro-cognitive abilities but can be nurtured and strengthened through intentional practice and support.
✔️ A child may be highly intelligent but struggle with organization, time management, or impulse control. With stronger executive functioning skills, they can learn to manage their time better, and their behavior will improve.
✔️ A child with low frustration tolerance can learn to become more tolerant with these skills.
✔️ Children with ADHD, or ASD naturally struggle with executive functioning, but their behavior and functioning can be greatly improved by strengthening their executive functioning skills.
Research has shown that by strengthening executive functioning skills, children can experience significant improvements in academic performance, social interactions, and overall daily living activities.
They may also show a reduction in typical symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in ADHD, as well as enhanced communication and social skills in ASD.
Regardless of neurotype, strong executive functioning skills can contribute to increased emotional regulation, leading to a more positive self-concept and greater resilience in the face of challenges.
Parents who understand and support the development of these skills can effectively change the trajectory of their child’s growth and success.
That is the power of executive functioning!
This does not mean they’ll never have challenges. It means they will become stronger and develop the capacity to tolerate frustration which increases their capacity for solving their own problems and advancing in life in a more positive manner – bringing more peace and harmony to your home.
Executive functioning skills are as important as learning to read, write, or perform arithmetic. They form the foundation for all cognitive activities and are critical for academic success, social development, and performing everyday tasks.
Without these skills, children may struggle with basic life skills that many take for granted, such as making friends, completing homework, or even managing simple routines.
There are numerous practical strategies you can employ to support the development of executive functioning skills. However, deploying strategies without insight into how each executive function works at which age is like trying to hit a target blindfolded.
