Supporting Executive Function Skills at School and at Home: A Parent's Guide
Executive function skills play a major role in your child's success at school and in everyday life. When these skills are strong, children can plan, focus, manage emotions, and complete tasks independently. When they are weak, even bright and capable children may struggle.
This guide explains what executive function skills are, signs your child may need support, and practical strategies parents can use at home and school to help their child thrive.
What Are Executive Function Skills?
Executive function skills are brain-based abilities that help children:
Think of executive function as the brain's management system. These skills develop from early childhood through young adulthood, and many children need explicit support along the way.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Executive Function
Children with executive function challenges may:
These challenges are common in children with ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, or neurodivergent profiles, but they can affect any child.
Why Supporting Executive Function Skills Matters
When executive function skills are supported, children often experience:
Supporting these skills are not about "fixing" your children. It's about building tools that match how their brain works.
How to Support Executive Function Skills at Home
1. Create Predictable Routines
Consistent routines reduce the mental load on your child's brain:
Predictability helps children feel safe and organized.
2. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Large tasks can feel overwhelming:
This builds task initiation and follow-through.
3. Use Visual Supports
Many children with executive function challenges benefit from visual cues and supports:
Visual tools make expectations concrete and easier to remember.
4. Support Emotional Regulation
Executive function is closely tied to emotions:
A regulated child is better able to think and learn.
5. Model Executive Function Skills
Children learn by watching adults:
This teaches skills naturally and reduces pressure.
How to Support Executive Function Skills at School
1. Partner with Teachers
Communicate openly with your child's teacher about:
Consistency between home and school is key. Some of these supports may need to be in writing, such as a 504 Plan or IEP, and requires further assessment to determine eligibility for services/supports.
2. Ask About Classroom Supports
Helpful supports may include:
These supports can be part of a 504 Plan or IEP, if needed, which requires assessment to determine eligibility for services/supports.
3. Teach Organization Systems
Help your child learn systems they can maintain:
Simple systems work best are and easier to sustain.
4. Encourage Self-Advocacy
As children grow, help them:
These skills build independence and confidence over time.
When to Seek Additional Support
If executive function challenges significantly impact your child's learning or emotional well-being, consider early support to help prevent further frustration and help children build lifelong skills.
They may benefit from a neuropsychological assessment or an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) to determine if this is an area of concern. Contact Thrive Care Neuropsychology for a consultation.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Executive function skills don't develop overnight. Many children need explicit teaching, patience, and consistent support to build these abilities.
With the right strategies at home and school, children with executive function challenges can learn to manage their responsibilities, regulate emotions, and feel successful, not because they try harder, but because they're supported in ways that truly work for them.
*This blog is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized professional advice.*