Executive functions are the self-management system of the brain. These functions don’t fully mature in most children until age 18 or 20. This process can take even longer for kids with executive functioning issues. They tend to have more issues with executive functions than most other kids the same age.

Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.

Executive functions help you manage life tasks of all types. For example, executive functions let you organize a trip, a research project, or a paper for school. Often, when we think of problems with executive functioning, we think of disorganization. However, organization is only one of these important skills.

Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions

1. Checklists.
2. Set time limits.
3. Use that planner.
4. Spell out the rationale.
5. Explore different ways of learning.
6. Establish a routine.
7. Use rewards.

Here are over 15 ways you can teach executive functioning skills: #1 Teach skills explicitly. Plan an executive functioning and study skills block to teach skills explicitly. Depending on what time you have available, you can choose to teach these skills for 20 minutes per day or just once a week.

Executive function skills are important throughout life. Positive Behaviors—Executive functions help children develop skills of teamwork, leadership, decision-making, working toward goals, critical thinking, adaptability, and being aware of our own emotions as well as those of others.

The primary function of executive is to enforce laws and to maintain law and order in the state. Whenever a breach of law takes place, it is the responsibility of the executive to plug the breach and bring the offenders to book.

Improving Executive Function Skills

1. Plan ahead for organization. If kids have trouble remembering needed school supplies and homework, set them up for success by creating an at-home work station.
2. Avoid procrastination.
3. Set goals and avoid over-scheduling.

These skills typically develop most rapidly between ages 3-5, followed by another spike in development during the adolescent and early adult years.

There are many different activities that can facilitate the development of executive functions early in your child’s development.

• Lap games with hand clapping.
• Peek-a-boo.
• Hiding toys and objects.
• Singing along with fingerplay.
• And now you do it!
• Sensory activities.
• Simple board games.
• Coloring and Drawing Fun.

Adult ADHD and Work: Improving Executive Function

1. Executive function includes the following cognitive skills: planning, prioritizing, strategizing, motivation, initiating tasks, organizing, executing complex tasks, and attention to details.
2. Clarify Expectations.
3. Request Feedback.
4. Hand Write a Strategy.
5. Maintain a Coordinated Task list and Calendar.