Executive Functioning Coaching: Signs Your Child May Need Support

Executive functioning coaching for students can make a huge difference, especially when they struggle with focus, organization, or time management. Executive function refers to the set of skills that are necessary to complete important tasks in our daily lives, which includes planning, self-control, and memory.

Children who struggle with executive functioning may find it difficult to stay organized, manage their time, or complete tasks efficiently. Identifying these challenges early on can make a huge difference in their academic success and emotional well-being.

In this blog, we’ll provide a helpful checklist for parents to spot executive functioning challenges in their child. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek strategies and supports that can help your child build stronger executive function skills, such as executive functioning coaching.

Signs your Child May Need Executive Functioning Coaching:

1. Difficulty Starting Tasks

Signs: Does your child…

• Consistently avoid initiating tasks?
• Procrastinate until the last minute?
• Struggle to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps?

Strategies to Implement:

• Use a visual timer: Setting a timer can help your child better understand the passage of time.
• Create a clear routine: Establish a routine for troubled transitions (getting ready for school, once you get home from school, getting ready for bed)
• Break tasks into smaller steps: Help your child break overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

2. Struggles with Time Management

Signs:  Does your child…

• Struggle to accurately estimate how much time a task will take?
• Frequently run late or feel rushed?
• Often forget appointments or deadlines without constant reminders?

Strategies to Implement:

• Implement time-blocking: Help your child break down tasks into designated start and end times. This strategy can be utilized for anything: school work, playing basketball, walking the dog, etc. 
• Utilize a visual planner / calendar: Help your child write down assignments, appointments, and important events coming up.
• Use alarms and reminders: Help your child stay on track and transition from the current activity to the next.

3. Trouble Staying Organized

Signs: Does your child…

• Regularly lose track of their homework assignments?
• Struggle to keep their backpack or bedroom semi-organized?
• Seem unable to consistently complete their homework?

Strategies to Implement:

• Create a storage system: Use specific folders or binders for each subject.
• Designate a work station: Identify one organized space for your child to consistently complete their work.
• Use checklists: Help your child write down steps for common academic tasks: turning in assignments, writing a paper, studying for a test, etc.

4. Inability to Focus or Complete Tasks

Signs: Does your child…

• Struggle to focus on one task?
• Jump between tasks without ever completing one?
• Become easily distracted when engaged in a non-preferred task?

Strategies to Implement:

• Utilize short breaks: Use the Pomodoro Technique to help your child feel refreshed and focused.
• Use visual reminders: Sticky notes, checklists, or timers can help keep students on track.
• Provide structure: Help establish a predictable routine for your child.

5. Emotional Regulation Issues

Signs: Does your child…

• Have difficulty managing their emotions when frustrated?
• Get easily upset when making a mistake?
• Have emotional outburst when things don’t go according to plan?

Strategies to Implement:

• Model coping skills: Demonstrate and explain how you calm down when feeling frustrated.
• Teach calming strategies: Explicitly teach them strategies like deep breathing and journaling to help them regulate.
• Listen: Give them space by listening to them and validating their feelings.

Does Your Child Need Executive Functioning Tutoring?

Identifying executive functioning challenges is the first step toward setting your child up for success. If your child shows several of these signs, executive functioning support can make a world of difference. With the right strategies and guidance, your child can strengthen skills like organization, time management, focus, and emotional regulation.

At Strive Learning Solutions, we provide expert executive functioning coaching tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our coaches partner with families to build personalized systems that reduce stress, increase independence, and help students thrive. 

Inquire today to give your child the tools they need to flourish!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs that a child may need executive functioning coaching?
Common signs include difficulty starting homework, staying organized, managing time, or keeping track of materials. Students may also become easily overwhelmed or avoid tasks that feel too big.

How does executive functioning coaching help students?
Coaching builds essential life and academic skills like time management, organization, and emotional regulation. At Strive Learning Solutions, sessions are personalized to each student’s needs, helping them gain independence and confidence both in and out of school.

What’s the difference between tutoring and executive functioning coaching?
Tutoring focuses on academic subjects and content, while executive functioning coaching teaches the skills behind learning, such as planning, prioritizing, and managing focus. Many students benefit from a blend of both to improve performance and reduce stress.

Does Strive Learning Solutions offer executive functioning coaching in Denver?
Yes. Strive provides in-person and virtual executive functioning coaching for students across the Denver Metro area—including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden.