Parenting a middle or high schooler with executive function challenges isn’t easy. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be—watching them fall behind despite their best efforts, wondering how to help without micromanaging, and feeling like you’re constantly reminding them to do the same things over and over.
The fact is that kids who face these challenges often develop incredible problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and adaptability—qualities that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
In Part 1 of this series, “The Benefits of Executive Function Deficits Part 1: Understanding Hidden Strengths,” we share the hidden strengths of executive function deficits and why you should view these challenges as benefits.
In this article, we’re sharing practical strategies that you can use TODAY to support your child, strengthen their executive function skills, and set them up for long-term success.
Embracing Neurodiversity in Middle and High School
The first and most important step? Shifting the mindset. As parents, understanding and embracing neurodiversity is crucial.
Executive function challenges don’t mean your child is lazy or careless. Their brain simply processes information differently, and that’s okay!
When parents and educators embrace neurodiversity, kids feel understood, valued, and capable, rather than feeling like they’re constantly failing to meet expectations.
What you can do:
- Validate their struggles: Acknowledge that tasks like organizing, planning, or focusing are harder for them, but also remind them that they can improve with practice.
- Highlight their strengths: Are they incredibly creative? Amazing at problem-solving? Fantastic at thinking outside the box? Reinforce what they’re naturally good at.
- Model self-compassion: Show them that mistakes aren’t failures, but learning opportunities. If they forgot a homework assignment, ask, “What’s one thing we can try next time to remember it?”
Building Executive Function Skills with Practical Activities
Executive function skills like organization, planning, and time management aren’t just traits some kids are born with. They’re learnable skills that improve with the right support and practice.
Encourage your child to participate in group projects or manage personal tasks that can help them develop these essential skills in a supportive and engaging way.
What you can do:
- Break it down: Teach your child to break assignments or projects into small, manageable steps. Use a whiteboard or sticky notes to make steps visible.
- Visual schedules: Try using a color-coded planner, digital reminders, or even a visual checklist on the fridge to help them keep track of responsibilities.
- Gamify organization: Make tidying up fun! Set a 5-minute timer for a “clean-up challenge” or turn packing a school bag into a “mission” where they collect all the needed supplies.
- Weekly check-ins: Set aside time every Sunday to go over the upcoming week. Help them prioritize tasks, plan their time, and troubleshoot potential challenges.
Understanding the Connection Between ADHD and Executive Function Deficits
Many middle and high school students with ADHD also experience executive function challenges. Many children with ADHD have difficulty with focus, impulse control, and working memory, which directly impacts executive function.
Recognizing this overlap is key to providing the right support, and ensuring that their education is tailored to their unique learning style.
What you can do:
- Be patient with time management struggles: Many kids with ADHD have a poor sense of time, making it harder to judge how long tasks will take. Use timers or alarms to build awareness.
- Reduce distractions: A cluttered workspace can make it harder to focus. Create a dedicated study area with minimal distractions.
- Make movement part of learning: Kids with ADHD often learn better when they’re active. Encourage them to study while standing, walking, or even bouncing on an exercise ball.
Personalized Educational Approaches
Not every child thrives in a traditional classroom setting.
For students with ADHD or executive function deficits, personalized educational approaches, like online ADHD tutoring, can be incredibly effective. Incorporating strategies that cater to their specific learning needs can significantly enhance their learning experience and academic success.
What you can do:
- Alternative learning environments: Some students thrive in project-based learning schools, Montessori programs, or online learning platforms.
- Tutoring or executive function coaching: A tutor specializing in ADHD or executive function skills can provide one-on-one support to build essential strategies.
- Assistive technology: Tools like speech-to-text apps, digital planners, or focus apps can help bridge the gap in areas like writing, organization, and focus.
To learn more about how our personalized approach to building executive function skills has helped so many students we’ve worked with, check out our 1:1 executive function coaching program!
Could an Executive Function Coach Help Your Child?
For many teens dealing with executive function challenges, working with an executive function coach can be transformative. If your child is struggling with time management, organization, or follow-through, an executive function coach can help.
An executive function coach can empower students to take control of their learning process, build confidence, and develop skills that are beneficial not only in school but in all areas of life. This personalized support can be a game-changer, particularly during the pivotal and often turbulent years of middle and high school.
What does an executive function coach do?
- Helps students develop personalized strategies for planning, prioritizing, and managing tasks.
- Provides accountability and structure to improve follow-through on assignments.
- Teaches study and test-taking strategies to boost academic success.
- Builds self-confidence by helping students recognize their strengths and improve their weaknesses.
Many parents see huge improvements when their child works with our coaches. It leads to better organization, reduced stress (for you, too!), and more independence in managing their workload.
Curious about how we can help your child build executive function skills? Learn more about our 1:1 executive function coaching.
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Your Child’s Success Starts Today
Parenting a child with executive function challenges can be tough, but it also comes with incredible opportunities for growth. With the right tools and support, your child can develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
💡 Is your child struggling to stay organized, focus, or complete tasks?
Imagine a scenario where your child finally learned how to manage their workload independently.
We can teach them how. Call us today to discuss how executive function coaching can help your child reach their full potential!
