Why executive function matters for your middle schooler

Have you ever thought or said " Why can't they just do their work? Why do they wait until the last minute? " "Why can't she just chill out?!"

What you're expecting is them to have an executive function skill that they don't have ... yet. As an upcoming or current middle school parent, you've likely heard about executive function, but you may not know exactly what it is. 

In the broadest terms, executive function skills are crucial to positive behavior and making healthy choices, as well as learning and development. Providing opportunities to build these skills at home, especially in a world that is filled with distractions, is one of the best things you can do to ensure your child succeeds during their middle school years and beyond. That's why today's episode is chock-full of tips and tricks to help your middle schooler develop stronger executive function skills.

In the episode I break down:

• An overview of the key components of executive function
• What the middle school brain has to do with executive function
• 3 tips to build executive function at home

First, download your FREE guide here. Then, listen to the podcast, and let me know how this process goes for you in your home! 

Here is a look into today's highlighted talking points

[2:09] #1: Executive function skills and tasks can be broken down into :

1. Planning - knowing the steps needed to execute a task

2. Time management

3. Organization

4. Prioritize

5. Impulse control

6. Task initiation & completion

7. Working memory

8. Transition

9. Remembering details

10. Emotional regulation

11. Self-awareness & Metacognition

[2:37] What the middle school brain has to do with it? Middle school presents all sorts of new executive function challenges... There are growing pains and challenges to be expected.

[3:26] Dr. Stuart Shanker's work around executive function- Reframing Challenging Behavior

[4:34]Here are three tips you can use to begin strengthening your middle schooler's executive function skills at home

1. Self / Co-regulate

2. Practice meta-cognition in small, simple moments

3. Model time-management (in simple summer routines / or balancing work with life.

[6:09] As Dr. Tina Payne Bryson says, to help our kids we must first calm, connect, comfort, and see things from their point of view.

Other links for information about executive function: click here

Like what you hear? Keep listening to the Elevated Adolescence Podcast