Reviewed by Christopher Bogart, PhD As the long, lazy days of summer give way to the buzz of a new school year, many parents begin preparing their children for the academic and social demands ahead. While notebooks, backpacks, and lunchboxes are all essential, there’s one area that deserves equal—if not more—attention: your child’s executive functioning skills. Executive functions are the mental skills that help children plan, organize, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. These skills are foundational for academic achievement and success in daily life. And while some children naturally thrive in these areas, others struggle with executive function challenges that can make the return to school stressful and overwhelming. And research also suggests that children with executive functions vulnerability often have at least one parent who may have struggled in this area. So, a family-wide program can be important to implement. Whether your child is entering middle school, transitioning to high school, or simply facing new responsibilities this fall, now is the perfect time to focus on boosting executive functioning.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes that allow us to regulate behavior, set goals, and carry them out efficiently. Core components include:
- Working memory: holding and manipulating information in your mind.
- Attentional control: staying focused and resisting distractions.
- Cognitive flexibility: shifting gears when plans change.
- Problem solving: analyzing situations and coming up with strategies.
- Time management: estimating how long tasks take and managing deadlines.
- Task initiation: getting started on work without delay.
Children with executive dysfunction may seem disorganized, forgetful, resistant to transitions, or unable to manage long-term projects like book reports or science fairs. These challenges can become especially noticeable during the first months of a new school year when demands increase and routines shift.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Executive function difficulties can appear differently depending on age. For younger children, signs may include trouble with morning routines, forgetting homework, or becoming easily frustrated. In middle school, where students are expected to manage term projects, juggle multiple classes, and use lockers and planners, these difficulties can become more pronounced. You may notice your child:
- Has difficulty completing homework without frequent reminders
- Struggles to begin tasks independently
- Becomes overwhelmed by multi-step directions
- Frequently loses or misplaces belongings
- Avoids tasks that require sustained attention
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to intentionally work with your child on improving their executive skills.
Teaching Executive Function: Small Steps, Big Impact
The good news is that teaching students how to improve executive function is not only possible—it can be incredibly rewarding. Like any other skill, executive functions can be strengthened over time with practice, coaching, and the right supports. Here are a few ways to help your child prepare for a smooth school year:
- Create Clear, Visual Routines
Children thrive on structure. Use visual schedules or checklists for morning routines, after-school responsibilities, and bedtime tasks. These tools support working memory and reduce decision fatigue.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
A long book report or research assignment can feel overwhelming. Teach your child how to divide it into manageable parts: research, outline, draft, edit, final version. This builds problem-solving and time management skills.
- Practice Attentional Control
Reduce background noise during homework time and use tools like timers or focus apps to help your child build sustained attention. Encourage short breaks between tasks to refresh their concentration.
- Model Cognitive Flexibility
When plans change or challenges arise, talk through your own problem-solving strategies out loud. This shows children how to pivot calmly and creatively—key for cognitive flexibility.
- Use Calendars and Planners
For older children and middle school students, teach them to write down assignments, tests, and activities in a planner. Encourage daily review so they can stay ahead of long-term projects and avoid last-minute panic.
- Encourage Reflective Thinking
At the end of the week, ask questions like: “What went well?” and “What would you do differently next time?” These conversations promote metacognition and strengthen executive self-awareness.
Partnering for Success
While there’s a lot you can do at home, some children benefit from additional coaching or therapy. At Sasco River Center, our team offers personalized support to help children strengthen executive functioning and thrive academically. We work with students who face challenges related to executive dysfunction, ADHD, learning differences, and more—offering evidence-based strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs. Our specialists use structured, engaging, and skill-building interventions to promote independence and confidence. Whether your child struggles with time management, attentional control, or juggling term projects, we can help.
Supporting Families Across Connecticut
Our team at our Darien and Wilton offices is here to support your family as you prepare for a successful school year. We offer in-person services at both locations, as well as telehealth options for convenience and accessibility. Ready to help your child build essential executive functioning skills? Call us at (203) 202-7654 or email hello@sascoriver.com to schedule an appointment in Darien or Wilton. Let’s work together to make this school year one of growth, confidence, and academic success.