Teaching Executive Functioning Skills to Kids: Why It’s Never Too Late

Does your child struggle to stay organized, manage emotions, or complete tasks on time? These challenges often stem from underdeveloped executive functioning skills.

Teaching executive functioning skills can help children improve focus, self-control, and problem-solving. It’s never too early, or too late, to support their growth in this area. Today we’re taking a closer look into what executive functioning means, why it matters, and how parents can help children build these skills through games, routines, and everyday support.

What Are Executive Functioning Skills?

Executive functioning refers to a group of mental skills that help kids plan, focus, follow directions, and manage emotions. There are three core skills that make up executive functioning:

• Working memory
• Flexible thinking
• Self-control

Working Memory

Working memory allows a child to hold information in their mind while using it. For example, remembering multi-step directions or doing math in their head both depend on this skill.

Kids with poor working memory may forget what they were asked to do even moments after being told. They might lose track of steps in a process or struggle to complete tasks in the right order.

Flexible Thinking

Flexible thinking means being able to adjust to new rules or switch between tasks. A child who can shift their thinking can handle changes more calmly and come up with different solutions to a problem.

When this skill is underdeveloped, kids might become upset when routines shift or struggle with subjects that require abstract thinking. They may also get stuck when a strategy stops working and not know how to move forward.

Self-Control

Self-control helps kids manage their emotions and impulses. This skill supports patience, attention, and decision-making.

Children with weak self-control may interrupt, act without thinking, or have trouble calming themselves when upset. This can lead to frustration at school and difficulty getting along with peers.

Common Signs of Executive Function Challenges in Kids

Some children seem forgetful, disorganized, or quick to give up. Others may interrupt often, struggle with time, or have a hard time calming down. These behaviors can sometimes be mistaken for laziness or disobedience.

But they are often signs of weak executive functioning. There are three major signs of executive function challenges in kids:

• Trouble starting or finishing tasks
• Emotional outbursts or frustration
• Difficulty staying organized or focused

Trouble Starting or Finishing Tasks

Kids with executive function issues may have a hard time beginning assignments or following through. They might stare at homework for long stretches, unsure where to begin.

Once they start, they may forget what to do next or skip steps. These struggles are not from a lack of trying. The problem often lies in planning and holding information in their mind.

Emotional Outbursts or Frustration

Many kids with weak executive functioning get upset quickly or overreact when plans change. They may have trouble stopping themselves from yelling, crying, or giving up.

These reactions come from a lack of self-control or flexible thinking. Even small problems can feel overwhelming when they don’t have the tools to cope.

Difficulty Staying Organized or Focused

Some children have messy backpacks, lose their belongings, or miss due dates often. Others seem to zone out in class or forget instructions as soon as they hear them.

These signs often come from poor working memory or trouble managing attention. Kids may want to stay on track but don’t know how to manage their time or mental space.

Teaching Executive Functioning Skills: It’s Never Too Late

Some parents worry they missed their chance to help their child with executive functioning. They may notice struggles in middle school or even later and wonder if it’s too late to make a difference.

The truth is, teaching executive functioning skills can start at any age. These skills aren’t fixed. They grow over time and can improve with support, practice, and patience.

There are three main reasons why it’s never too late to teach executive function:

• Brain development continues through early adulthood
• New habits can replace old patterns
• Small changes lead to long-term progress

Brain Development Continues Through Early Adulthood

The brain develops slowly, especially the areas that handle planning, control, and decision-making. These parts keep growing into a person’s twenties.

That means there’s still a wide window for improving executive functioning. Children and teens are always learning.

They can build new skills even if they’ve struggled in the past. A child who finds it hard to stay organized at ten may show big improvement by twelve with the right help.

New Habits Can Replace Old Patterns

Some kids develop habits that work against them, like avoiding tasks or rushing through work. These habits can be unlearned.

Teaching executive functioning skills means helping a child notice what’s not working and try new ways. This can include using a planner, setting reminders, or breaking big tasks into steps.

With time, new habits feel more natural. Repetition and support help these changes stick.

Small Changes Lead to Long-Term Progress

It doesn’t take a big overhaul to start helping your child. Teaching one strategy at a time makes the process easier for both of you.

Maybe your child starts using a timer during homework or checks a list before packing up. These small steps build confidence and show them that growth is possible. When kids see that their actions lead to success, they become more open to learning other skills.

Executive Function Strategies for Everyday Routines

Helping your child improve executive functioning doesn’t always require formal lessons. Daily routines are one of the best ways to teach these skills naturally.

When structure and consistency are part of the day, kids get chances to practice focus, planning, and self-control in a low-pressure way. These moments can happen at home, before school, during meals, or while getting ready for bed.

There are three simple ways parents can use routines to support growth:

• Use visual tools to support memory and planning
• Break large tasks into smaller steps
• Model and reinforce good habits through repetition

Use Visual Tools to Support Memory and Planning

Visual tools like calendars, charts, and checklists can help kids stay on track without constant reminders. A child who sees what’s expected is more likely to follow through. This supports working memory and helps build planning skills.

Morning routines, for example, can be shown with pictures or a written list. A quick glance lets your child know what comes next without needing you to repeat instructions. These tools work well for kids of different ages and can be changed as they grow.

Break Large Tasks into Smaller Steps

Big tasks can feel overwhelming. When a child is asked to clean their room or finish a school project, they may not know where to start.

Teaching them to break a task into smaller parts makes it feel more doable. You might help them sort clothes first, then pick up toys, then make the bed.

Each step gives a clear goal and a sense of progress. This helps build confidence and reduces stress. Over time, they can learn to do this without help.

Model and Reinforce Good Habits Through Repetition

Children often learn best by watching. If you use routines and talk through your thought process, they pick up on those patterns.

Saying things like “Let me write that down so I don’t forget” or “I’ll check my list before I head out” shows them how executive function works in real life.

Repeating these actions daily helps them stick. When kids see that routines lead to smoother mornings or fewer lost items, they start to value the habits too.

Executive Function Games and Play-Based Learning

Play is one of the easiest and most natural ways to support growth in kids. Children often learn best when they are having fun. This is especially true when trying to build skills that affect attention, memory, and self-control.

Certain types of games can give kids the chance to practice these skills without pressure. These games are a useful way to introduce structure, improve focus, and help kids follow directions.

There are three types of play that work well for building executive functioning:

• Movement games that require impulse control
• Board and card games that build memory and focus
• Open-ended play that supports flexible thinking

Movement Games That Require Impulse Control

Games like Red Light, Green Light or Simon Says give kids a reason to stop and think before acting. These games are fun, but they also ask kids to listen, wait, and follow rules.

That pause between wanting to move and being told to move is where self-control is tested. With repetition, kids start to improve their timing and patience without realizing they’re working on a skill.

Board and Card Games That Build Memory and Focus

Games such as Uno, Memory, or even Go Fish help kids practice remembering rules, paying attention to others, and making thoughtful choices. These games are easy to learn and can be played often without much setup.

They help build working memory by asking kids to hold information in their head and apply it during play. They also reward turn-taking and following through on a plan.

Open-Ended Play That Supports Flexible Thinking

Creative play with blocks, action figures, or building sets gives kids the space to make up their own rules. This kind of play supports flexible thinking. It lets them create problems and solve them in real time.

If something doesn’t work, they try another way. This trial-and-error process is great for building confidence and mental flexibility. It teaches them that change is part of learning and that it’s okay to try again.

Executive Function Training Tools and Resources

Some kids benefit from extra support beyond daily routines and games. This is where tools and structured resources can help.

These supports are often used in executive function training, which gives kids more practice with skills like time management, planning, and staying on task. Many of these tools are simple, low-cost, and easy to bring into the home.

There are three main types of support that can be useful:

• Digital tools and apps that support planning
• Paper-based tools like planners and checklists
• Guided resources that build habits and structure

Digital Tools and Apps That Support Planning

Many kids are used to using phones or tablets. There are apps that make it easier to set reminders, track time, and follow a schedule.

These tools can help with transitions and routines. Some apps use color coding or visual timers to show how much time is left or what comes next.

These small features can help kids stay focused and feel more in control. Using an app doesn’t replace the learning process, but it can make it easier to stick with a plan.

Paper-Based Tools Like Planners and Checklists

Sometimes, the best tools are the simplest ones. A notebook, dry-erase board, or printed calendar can work just as well as an app.

Some kids prefer to check things off with a pen. That act of checking a box or crossing something off a list gives a sense of completion.

Visual reminders on the wall or fridge can keep them focused on their goals. A daily planner is helpful for older kids who need to manage homework, chores, or activities.

Guided Resources That Build Habits and Structure

There are also books, printable worksheets, and guided programs that offer step-by-step support. Some of these resources are used in executive function training, often with the help of teachers, therapists, or learning coaches.

These tools help kids set goals, track progress, and reflect on their choices. When used with a parent or adult, these supports offer a way to talk through what’s working and what’s not. The process helps kids become more aware of their habits and encourages positive change over time.

The Right Executive Function Strategies

Teaching executive functioning skills can make a lasting difference in a child’s daily life and future success.

We help students who struggle with study habits, structure, and focus. Through executive functioning training and academic coaching, our tutors teach goal-setting, routine-building, and study strategies that boost confidence and grades. We guide students to take ownership of their success-both in school and in other parts of their lives.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your child’s skill building!