As children mature, their executive functioning skills slowly develop. Over time, children begin to grow in their ability to control their thoughts and actions. They learn how to better control their emotions, regulate their behavior, and focus on a task for a longer period of time. These important skills begin to develop around age 1, but are continually growing up until around age 25.

These skills that we use nearly every moment of every day are called executive function skills.

First, we’ll develop a clear understanding of what executive function in children is. Then, we’ll look at why it’s so important.

What is Executive Functioning?

Executive function is a set of mental skills that are necessary for important tasks we complete in our daily lives.

Executive Function skills include:

• Planning
• Self-control
• Mental flexibility
• Working memory
• Organization
• Time management
• Sustained attention and focus
• Metacognition

The frontal lobe, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is largely in charge of performing those important executive functions tasks. A common analogy is comparing the executive functions to a symphony’s conductor. The executive functions, when developed, create a coherent song by combining the different pieces of information that comes in. The executive functions organize and integrate everything into a harmonious tune.

Without a strong set of EF skills, children commonly struggle with handling setbacks, have a difficult time completing tasks, frequently forget deadlines, and have a hard time monitoring and regulating their own behavior.

Why is Executive Functioning Important?

Executive functioning skills make it possible for us to be ourselves. They make it possible for our students to live their lives, have positive relationships, and learn new skills. Without a proficient level of executive functioning, our students will struggle to build a healthy sense of competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

Without a strong set of executive functioning skills, children have a hard time being organized, paying attention, and using their working memory. A severe enough deficit can lead a student to underperform, act out, or check out entirely from their learning.

Does Your Child Struggle with Executive Functioning?

If so, please know: Executive Functioning is a learned skill. Children can both grow from their experiences in life, and they can also grow from direct instruction from a family member or professional.

Many children benefit from being explicitly taught these skills. This could look like keeping a schedule posted every day, teaching and reinforcing routines, and modeling “think alouds”.

Want to get more support in developing your child’s Executive Functioning skills?

Schedule your free consultation today!

Additionally, I cannot recommend the Life Skills Advocate enough. Their resources are the highest quality I have come across, and they include The Real-Life Executive Functioning Workbook, The Neurodivergent-Friendly Cookbook, and hundreds of thorough, well-researched, zero-cost blogs.