If your child often forgets assignments, struggles to get started on tasks, or melts down when routines change, they may be facing challenges with executive function skills. These skills are essential for managing daily life: at school, at home, and in social situations. Luckily, executive function skills can be strengthened with support and practice. In this blog, we’ll explain what executive function skills are, how training works, and whether it might be right for your child.

What are executive function skills?

Executive function skills are the brain-based abilities we use to manage our daily lives. These skills act like the brain’s air traffic control system, helping us set goals, plan ahead, stay on track, manage emotions, organize, and make decisions. While adults rely on these skills constantly, children are still developing them.

There are 11 core executive skills:

Response Inhibition – the ability to think before acting
Working Memory – holding information in mind while using it
Emotional Control – managing feelings to achieve goals
Flexibility – adjusting to changing demands
Task Initiation – starting tasks promptly
Sustained Attention – staying focused despite distractions
Planning/Prioritizing – creating steps to reach a goal
Organization – keeping track of materials and information
Time Management – using time wisely and meeting deadlines
Goal-Directed Persistence – following through to completion
Metacognition – self-monitoring and evaluating one’s performance

Children with executive function skill weaknesses may be smart and capable, but struggle with everyday demands. This could look like disorganization, missing deadlines, procrastination, or emotional outbursts.

These skills don’t develop all at once, but grow over time, and some kids need more support than others. When children struggle with executive function, it can impact various areas of their life.

What is executive function skills training?.

Executive function (EF) skills training is a structured, individualized process that helps children develop and apply executive skills in real-life settings. Rather than simply labeling children as “lazy” or “unmotivated,” this approach identifies specific skills that need support, then builds those skills through direct teaching and practice.

The main goal of EF skills training is to help children develop the executive skills they are weak in, so they can eventually apply these skills independently and effectively in real-life situations (like school, home routines, or social interactions). Though many executive function skills develop naturally over time, some children may need more explicit instruction and guided practice. EF training may include:

Helping children understand their own executive profile

Children are introduced to the idea that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. They may complete a questionnaire to identify which executive skills come easily and which are harder. This self-awareness is crucial, as kids need to know why they struggle in order to take ownership of their growth.

Teaching practical strategies tailored to areas of difficulty

Once a target skill is identified (e.g., task initiation or time management), a specific, concrete strategy is taught. The strategies are developmentally appropriate and chosen to match real-world tasks the child may need to accomplish. Some examples might include:

For organization: using color-coded folders or daily binder checks
For time management: using visual timers or backward planning for deadlines
For task initiation: starting with a 2-minute rule to break through procrastination

Using external supports while gradually encouraging internal regulation

External tools (reminders, routines, checklists, reward systems, and adult guidance) are crucial in scaffolding skills. Over time, as the child practices and succeeds, these supports are replaced by internal habits and self-monitoring. This is known as the gradual release model.

Celebrating small successes to build motivation and confidence

Many children with EF challenges have faced repeated failure or frustration. Training emphasizes positive reinforcement and celebrating small wins (e.g., turning in homework three days in a row) to help children feel successful. This helps grow intrinsic motivation and willingness to try again.

Who can benefit?

While every child can benefit from developing executive function skills, training may be especially helpful for kids who experience certain challenges. Executive skills challenges can affect a wide variety of children, not just those with formal diagnoses. Children with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or anxiety often show EF weaknesses, but so do many other students who are simply overwhelmed by environmental demands.

EF skills training may be a good fit for children who:

Struggle to get started on tasks, even ones they are interested in
Frequently forget homework, lose materials, or miss deadlines
Have difficulty regulating emotions, especially frustration or anxiety
Struggle to follow multi-step directions
Seem disorganized or scattered despite strong verbal or intellectual skills
Are transitioning to a new level of schooling with more independence expected

What do training sessions look like?

EF skills training sessions are personalized and practical. Sessions can take place one-on-one, in small groups, or as part of therapy or academic support. Training is often fun and interactive, focused on building awareness and independence, not just correcting behaviors.

Training is based on the “coaching model” described in Smart but Scattered, where adults act as mentors, helping kids build ownership of their own progress. Over time, we gradually reduce scaffolding as the child gains independence.

It often includes:

**Check-in and reflection:** Reviewing the child’s progress toward their goals and discussing any recent challenges.
**Skill building:** Utilizing strategies and tools (e.g., checklists, timers, and graphic organizers) that align with the child’s EF target goals. For example, working on how to use a planner, organize a backpack, or break down a large assignment.
**Hands-on practice:** Practice utilizing strategies using role-playing or problem-solving scenarios and making a plan to apply it in real life (often with support from home or school).
**Parent partnership:** Collaborating with families by teaching how to reinforce the skill at home

Should I consider executive function skills training for my child?

If your child’s challenges with focus, organization, or self-control are affecting their school performance or daily life, executive function skills training might be a good fit. Executive function skills are crucial for academic success and emotional well-being, but they don’t always come naturally. With the right support and guidance, kids can learn how to manage their time, handle frustration, and take control of their learning. Here at Student Success Psychological Services, we consistently utilize executive function skills training to help children struggling with inattention and hyperactivity. If you’re curious about whether executive function skills training might be helpful for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by filling out a contact form on our website.

Resources:

Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but scattered: The revolutionary "executive skills" approach to helping kids reach their potential. Guilford Press.

What is Executive Function Skills Training, and How Can It Help?