Executive Functioning Skills for Kids and Teen
Executive functioning skills are more closely linked to future success than grades, IQ scores and even socioeconomic background. While many of these skills develop on their own, children and teens still need plenty of opportunities to practice and hone these skills before launching into adulthood.
Time Management
Children and teens NEED to learn how to manage their own time before venturing off into the world on their own. This includes estimating how long tasks and activities will take, avoiding distractions and NOT waiting until the last minute to start tasks.
Task Initiation
Most children and teens realize that getting started on tasks is much more difficult than finishing them. Can your child begin a task they dislike or when they don't feel motivated?
Planning & Prioritization
According to Benjamin Franklin, "If you fail to plan,
you are planning to fail," Children and teens should learn how to plan ahead, have backup plans and even prioritize their tasks including studying, homework, practices and leisure time.
Organization
Organization doesn't just pertain to belongings, but also to their schoolwork, thoughts and digital information. Many children rely on their parents' acting as their organizers preventing them from developing this life-long skill.
Flexibility
Flexibility is being able to adapt relatively quickly to changes while still performing in a functional and productive manner. Some children and teens get "stuck" when things don't go to plan.
Working Memory
Working memory is the ability to hold, update, and use information in your mind over short periods. It lets you follow multi-step instructions or remember details while working on a task.