Executive Function: What it is & Why it Matters for Kids

Executive functioning refers to the skills individuals use to perform mental processes required for daily tasks. These skills include planning, judgment, inhibition, initiation, problem solving, mental flexibility, reasoning, self-regulation, and metacognition. Individuals experiencing challenges with any of these skills will likely face difficulties in academic, social, and daily life situations, impacting how one interacts with their environment and relationships. Let’s dive into these skills to learn what they are and how to support individuals with executive functioning challenges! 

Planning

What it is: Thinking about the future, figuring out how to complete a task, or determining how to reach a goal

Examples: Completing an assignment, getting ready in the morning, or thinking of how they will play with a toy

* Is your child having difficulty following multi-step directions? Try chunking steps into simpler steps or visual schedules to breakdown tasks 

* Is your child forgetting to complete tasks or forgetting items? Create a checklist to stay on track

Judgment

What it is: The ability to assess, determine how to approach tasks, and think of cause and effect 

Examples: Realizing when to ask for help, not touching something hot to avoid getting hurt, moving items off the floor to avoid tripping 

* Is your child having difficulty making appropriate decisions during play? Try role-playing, modeling appropriate play, and talk about how choices we make affect others 

* Is your child making unsafe choices or not thinking about consequences? Talk about what will happen in specific events, implement consistent rules, and encourage your child to stop and think  

Problem Solving 

What it is: How to navigate tasks and determining how to fix them 

Examples: How to share with a friend, how to get an item that is out of reach, how to solve a disagreement 

* Is your child having difficulty thinking of solutions? Break tasks into smaller steps and think about each step, encouraging reflection! 

* Is your child giving up quickly and resorting to asking others for help? Model brainstorming and highlight their efforts

Mental Flexibility 

What it is: Adjusting to changes in expectations or routines

Examples: Changing games, switching events that are consistent in routine, switching from a preferred activity

* Is your child having difficulty adjusting to sudden changes in plans or transitioning? Prepare them with multiple reminders or implement a timer

* Is your child having difficulty changing their routines or doing things differently? Start with small changes at first to slowly expose them

Self-regulation 

What it is: Understanding and managing your behaviors, emotions, and attention 

Examples: Taking space when feeling frustrated, stopping themselves from taking a toy from a friend, pausing to think to complete a challenging task instead of stopping completely 

* Is your child having difficulty taking turns or grabbing toys from others? Use timers or visuals, “first, then” routines, and model appropriate behavior 

* Is your child getting frustrated or upsets easily? Practice deep breaths or a calming routine, find quiet spaces, and have discussions about their feelings 

Metacognition

What it is: Having awareness and understanding of your own thoughts and feelings

Examples: Knowing they need more time to complete a task or understanding what strategies work for them

* After completing tasks, encourage your child to think about how it went so they can identify strategies that work best for them!

Inhibition

What it is: Maintaining focus and attention on tasks limiting impulsivity and ignoring distractions

Examples: Not grabbing a toy from a friend, not running when instructed to walk, waiting for turns to share ideas 

* Is your child reacting impulsively? Implement a pause and think method

* Is your child interrupting others? Consistently remind them to listen to others and explain why turn taking in conversation is important 

Initiation

What it is: Being able to begin a task in a timely and appropriate manner

Examples: Independently beginning an assignment or independently cleaning up a toy center

* Is your child stuck on starting tasks? Create a checklist to help them begin and organize their tasks.

Reasoning

What it is: Processing information to form solutions

Examples: Knowing that sharing toys means everyone will play or helping a friend when they are upset to make them feel better 

* Is your child having difficulty understanding or making connections? Take the time to explain the "why", break down cause and effect, prompt them with questions