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Create the right building blocks

This week's episode is dedicated to all you parents who are working so hard to parent your ever-changing middle school kid, but you're left feeling a little frustrated, lost, or defeated.

Parents have often come to me wanting me to teach their kid how to be organized, how to get good grades, or simply do their work without melting down. In other words - these executive functioning skills that demonstrate they are able to be the "boss" of their lives.

But, expecting your tween or teen to jump right into growing their time management and organization skills without examining what's underneath is like wanting applesauce when you haven't even picked apples. Or expecting your kid to know how to drive the moment they get in the car without having ever practiced. It's not possible!

This is why I think this expectation as the big executive function misconception. You can't put the cart before the horse, as you well know.

That's why I'm excited to bring you today's episode where I'll clear up this misconception, share exactly what executive function is, what to expect with your middle schooler, and what you must start with 100% of the time before you explicitly model any other EF skill.

If you haven't listened to it before, I've got a special episode #4 EF 101 where I dive into more detail all around the basics of EF.

Let's dive into today's episode

What is executive function?

Here's a simple definition to remember: Executive functioning is the specific mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks. In other words, I teach parents and middle schoolers - it's the set of skills that enables you to be the 'boss' or in control of your life.

Why is executive function important?

#1: This stage is a HUGE opportunity to model and expose them to the kinds of beliefs and skills you'd love for them to have, or to heal and move away from patterns that are toxic or unhealthy.

#2: Your empathy and awareness can take center stage more readily because you understand the emotional center of their brain is in charge.

Listen to the full episode to see what you must do first before any other executive function skill!

I hope that this episode has given you some insight and greater confidence! Don't forget to sign up for my free, live masterclass (that I'll also link in the show notes) Middle School Confidence for Parents.

www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

You and your kid have a special purpose, and I'm honored to support you.

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