How to Help Young Children Build Executive Functioning Skills (So They Thrive as Teens)

If you have a teenager at home, I’m sure you’ve heard the term “executive functioning” at least a few times. You’ve probably even Googled ways to help your child improve these skills. I get it!

Executive functioning can sound like one of those complicated, jargon-heavy topics, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be. Simply put, executive functioning refers to the mental skills we use to plan, organize, and manage our thoughts and actions. It includes things like working memory, impulse control, and being able to adapt to change—basically, it’s all the stuff that helps us succeed in life.

Here’s the important part: executive functioning doesn’t automatically develop with age. It’s a set of skills that need to be learned and practiced. The earlier we start working on it, the better the results.  In fact, a study from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found that several early childhood factors—like family environment, parenting behavior, and even maternal mental health—play a big role in how well executive functioning develops during adolescence. So, yes, creating a supportive environment early on is key to setting our kids up for success as they grow.

What I Really Want You to Take Away From This Study...

Yes, executive function sounds like a complex topic, but helping your young child build these skills doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming. In fact, I’m pretty sure many of you are already doing a lot of the right things. With just a few tweaks here and there, you can set your child up for a much smoother adolescence (and let’s be real, who doesn’t want that?!).

Ready for the Real World: Teens Thriving with Executive Functioning Skills

How Can You Help Your Child Build Executive Functioning Skills?

I know, as moms, we’re juggling a million things. But trust me, you’re already laying the foundation—whether you realize it or not! Here are some simple, everyday ways to boost those executive functioning skills in your kids:

1. Create Routines:

   
   

   Kids thrive on predictability, and routines help them feel safe and organized. Whether it’s getting ready for school, mealtime, or bedtime, routines provide structure that supports executive function.

2. Break Down Tasks:

   
   

   Ever notice how a big task can feel super overwhelming for kids? Break it down into bite-sized steps to help them manage it. It’s like turning a giant mountain into smaller hills they can conquer.

3. Encourage Flexible Thinking:

   
   

   Plans change—often, right? Teach your child to roll with the punches by modeling how to handle unexpected situations. If your plans change, talk through it with them and come up with a new plan together.

4. Practice Self-Control:

   
   

   Self-regulation is huge. Teach your kids to pause, wait their turn, or resist an impulse. You can do this by praising their efforts to stay calm or by using redirection when needed.

5. Use Visual Supports:

   
   

   Kids love visuals, right? Use checklists, calendars, or charts to help them organize their day. A simple visual can go a long way in helping them stay on track.

6. Play Games:

   
   

   Here’s a fun one—use games! Strategy games, memory games, puzzles, or even board games are all great ways to help your child develop executive function skills. Who said learning can’t be fun?

7. Provide Opportunities for Planning:

   
   

   Give your child chances to plan things. It could be planning a weekend outing, organizing their school projects, or even planning their daily routine. Giving them these opportunities helps them develop their organizational and planning skills.

8. Model Executive Functioning:

   
   

   Don’t forget that your kids are watching you! Show them how you plan, organize, and manage your tasks. The more they see you doing it, the more they’ll understand how it works.

9. Be Patient and Supportive:

   
   

   Remember, developing executive function skills takes time—lots of time. Don’t be hard on yourself (or your child) if progress feels slow. Celebrate the small wins and keep encouraging them along the way.

Final Thoughts

Helping our kids develop strong executive functioning doesn’t have to be intimidating. It's about small, consistent actions that build confidence, independence, and resilience over time.

So next time your child follows a routine, waits patiently, or finishes a task they started—celebrate it. That’s executive functioning in action. And your guidance? That’s the secret sauce making it all happen.

You're doing amazing!