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In this episode
If you have ever wondered why your child can be smart, capable, and still fall apart with planning, transitions, or time management, this episode brings the clarity you have been missing.
Executive function is not about willpower or motivation. It is about the brain’s ability to picture the future, organize information, and act with purpose.
In this episode, you will learn why these skills break down and how to strengthen them in simple, practical ways at home.
In this episode:
- How forethought, visualization, and nonverbal working memory shape your child’s ability to follow instructions
- Why situational awareness and time perception are critical building blocks of self regulation
- Tools and strategies you can use today to help your child plan, organize, and follow through with greater confidence
Episode highlight
"Executive Function is really forethought based. The more you can help your kids visualize - start with the end in mind and work backwards - the more success you'll have with developing Executive Function."
Resources
- Visual Reference of Clock Exercise on Youtube
- Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick by Elizabeth Sautter
- Helping Anxious Students Move Forward by Jessica Minahan
- Cognitive Connections - Co-Directed by Sarah Ward
Bonus Q&A
- My 4th grader is showing issues with executive function. Is this typical at this age?
- How does bad self-regulation and bad executive functioning relate?
- How to encourage kids to stay motivated with boring activities?
Quick Answers
Is executive function about willpower or motivation?
Sarah Ward says executive function is not about willpower or motivation. It is about the brain's ability to picture the future, organize information, and act with purpose.
Why can a smart child fall apart with planning and time management?
This episode explains why these skills break down and how to strengthen them in simple, practical ways at home. Situational awareness and time perception are critical building blocks of self regulation.
How can I help my child build executive function?
Sarah Ward says executive function is really forethought based. The more you can help your kids visualize, starting with the end in mind and working backwards, the more success you'll have with developing it.
Jill Stowell, M.S., Host of the LD Expert Podcast
Founder and Executive Director of Stowell Learning Centers and bestselling author of At Wit's End and Take the Stone Out of the Shoe. For more than 40 years, Stowell Learning Centers has helped children and adults correct the root causes of dyslexia, learning, and attention challenges. More about Jill
Is your child working harder and still struggling?
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