If you have read anything on children’s learning and attention issues, you have probably come across the term, executive functioning. But what is executive functioning, and how can you help your child build their skills in this area?

Executive functioning refers to a group of skills that are key to learning and managing daily life. Some of these skills include:

• Working memory (e.g., holding information and working with it without losing track of what needs to get done)
• Planning and prioritizing (e.g., the ability to construct and execute the steps of a plan necessary to attain a goal)
• Goal-directed persistence and resistance to distraction (e.g., sustaining attention and persisting towards the future)
• Inhibition (e.g., controlling impulses)

Difficulties with executive functioning are often experienced by individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disorder. However, individuals without these diagnoses may also benefit from strategies to improve executive functioning, given how important these skills are for academic success and everyday life!

Here are some ways to help your child build executive functioning skills:

• Picture Schedules
  • Use picture schedules to help your child stick to daily routines. Tape them in a spot where your child can easily see them. For example, it might be helpful to create a picture schedule to help with bedtime routine. The pictures could include taking a bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a story, and getting into bed.
• Games
  • Play games that can help build executive functioning skills. For example, Jenga requires a number of executive functioning skills, such as planning and impulse control. This might spark thoughts such as:
    • “What will happen if I remove this block at the bottom of the tower?”
    • “Will it work better to pull the block slowly or quickly?”
    • “I must wait patiently while the other players take their turn.”
• Goal Calendar
  • Create a goal calendar to help your child stay on track with goals, such as turning in all of their homework or getting to school on time. Have your child decide which goal they would like to focus on for the month. Come up with a list of steps to get the job done (e.g., set two alarms; pack lunch the night before). Apply a sticker to each day the goal was accomplished. At the end of the month, admire all of the stickers that have covered the calendar!

As always, involving your child in the construction of schedules, routines, and goals is a sure-fire way to make the learning process more enjoyable for them and for you!

Written by Registered Psychologist with Wildflowers, Rachelle MacSorley