Executive Functions are the essential mental and life skills that help us manage our thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals.

 

These skills include Self-Control and Self-Monitoring which helps kids think before they act and manage impulses; Working Memory, which allows them to remember and use information; and Cognitive Flexibility, which enables them to switch between tasks and adapt to new situations.

 

Planning and Prioritizing help children set and achieve goals, while Task Initiation teaches them to start tasks without procrastination.

 

Organization helps them keep track of things and ideas, and Time Management helps them understand how to use time efficiently.

 

Lastly, Emotional Control teaches kids how to manage their feelings when they’re frustrated or upset.

 

These skills are critical to childhood development, laying the rock solid foundation for success in school, relationships, and everyday life.

 

By nurturing these Executive Functions early, we help children build the tools they need to solve problems, adapt to changes, and thrive socially and emotionally in the real-world journey towards adulthood.

 

You can learn more about Executive Functioning, its role and impact in those with ADHD in this short video from Jessica McCabe's channel, How To ADHD or this handy EF guide!