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Imagine your brain is the captain of a very chaotic ship called “Life.” Executive function is the set of skills that keeps your captain calm and your ship sailing (mostly) straight. It’s what helps you plan the route, avoid icebergs (or meltdowns), and remember where you put the snacks… because snacks are everything.
Simply put, executive function is the behind-the-scenes magic that helps life run smoothly. Until, of course, it doesn’t. And when that happens? You’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know to get back on course.
What Is Executive Function? (The No-Jargon Edition)
Executive function is like the brain’s personal manager. It handles big tasks like planning, organizing, and keeping impulses in check. Think of it as your go-to assistant for keeping the household chaos in check. Here are some real-life examples of what it does:
- Plan ahead: “Snacks at 3 pm so no one gets hangry on the way to soccer practice.”
- Stay organized: “Where is the library book that’s due today? Oh, right, in the backpack!”
- Remember things: Like where your keys are or whether you already signed the permission slip.
- Control impulses: “Don’t yell after stepping on your kid’s toy… breathe. Just breathe.”
The catch? Kids aren’t born with executive function skills. Shocking, right? They’re slowly built over time, and, fun fact, even grown-ups have days when these skills barely show up to work. Growth takes time and a little help along the way.
Why It Matters (For All of Us)
Executive function isn’t just a school thing or a kid thing. These skills make grown-up life manageable too. They’re the reason you can juggle bills, laundry, kid drop-offs, and still find time to drink cold coffee. (Hey, it’s something.)
But for kids? These skills are EVERYTHING. They help with things like:
- Following directions: “Shoes. Backpack. No, stop poking your sibling.”
- Handling routines: Brushing teeth is kind of important before you leave the house.
- Sticking with tasks: Homework doesn’t finish itself, unfortunately.
For parents, these skills mean juggling life with 46 mental tabs open (just like my computer tabs look) while still surviving the morning routine. Spoiler alert? It’s not always perfect, and that’s okay.
How to Spot Executive Function Challenges
Sometimes, struggles with executive function are pretty obvious. Other times? They sneak up quietly. Here’s what it might look like in everyday life:
- Preschoolers: Meltdowns over transitions or forgetting simple instructions. (“Remember your socks!”)
- Elementary kids: Lost supplies, forgotten assignments, and tears when routines change.
- Tweens/Teens: “I didn’t know the project was due tomorrow” (despite reminders). Midnight closet cleaning before a big test.
- Adults: Missed appointments, lost items, and where is that permission slip?! I for one am glad many are online now 🙂
No judgment here. We’ve all been there.
Helpful Tools!
One of the easiest ways to support executive function at any age is by adding practical tools to your home. The best part? These tools teach independence while easing stress for the whole family. Here are three must-haves to get started:
1. Picture-Based Morning Routine Chart
For younger kids, a visual guide works wonders. A picture-based morning routine chart (like this one) shows them exactly what steps they need to take each day. Toothbrush, shoes, backpack = done! Stick it on their door or the bathroom wall to make mornings smoother (and tantrum-free).
2. Color-Coded Weekly Planner
School-age kids often struggle with remembering homework, sports schedules, and other weekly tasks. A color-coded weekly planner (like this one) helps them map out their week visually. Use it to write down assignments, appointments, or even fun reminders like “Pizza Friday!” It’s a small investment with big outcomes. And handwriting has a direct connection with memory so that is double the reinforcement!
3. Magnetic Whiteboard for the Family
For parents (and tweens/teens), staying organized as a family can be tricky. Enter the magnetic whiteboard (available here), which can hang in the kitchen or on the fridge. Use it for meal planning, chore assignments, or a quick to-do for the week. Bonus? It’s reusable, eco-friendly, and makes life just a bit clearer.
Where to Start? Visual Schedules and Checklists!
Before you go down a rabbit hole of curriculum ideas, start small. So many of these tips and strategies are embedded in daily life (more blog posts for those!). You do not need a fancy curriculum or tons of printables (just some key ones). You just need patience and the concept of trial and error. Because every kid is different and it is not one size fits all.
One of the easiest tools to boost executive function at any age is the humble checklist. Why? Because it makes invisible tasks visible, creating structure for busy brains.
Here are a few practical examples for different ages:
- For young kids: Use a picture-based morning routine chart. Toothbrush, shoes, backpack, done! Tape it on their door, the bathroom wall, wherever works!
- For school-age kids: A color-coded weekly planner or whiteboard can make a game-changer for remembering assignments. In the kitchen, common room or on their school computer cover or binder/notebook cover.
- For YOU: A Post-It in the kitchen that says, “Drink the coffee you brewed an hour ago.”
It’s okay to try a few options and see what sticks. There’s that trial and error part of the process.
What’s Next?
There are more resources on the blog to help families tackle executive function and life skills in bite-sized, real-life ways. Try THESE 5 HACKS to get you started!
Got an area in your daily life that feels extra messy right now? Let me know!! Drop a comment, subscribe to the newsletter or yell it out loud while hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace.
I’m here for you, and I’m ready to share with you the tools you need to help make things a little calmer, a little clearer, and a lot more manageable!
