What is Executive Functioning?
Executive Functions are a set of mental skills responsible for managing daily life and getting things done. We use executive functions everyday when we follow instruction, plan our day, learn new things at school or work, and manage our emotions.
Executive Functioning allows us to:
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Control our emotions
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Plan and prioritize tasks, schoolwork and projects
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Start tasks and projects and complete them on time
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Focus our attention on what is important
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Manage our time
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Remember instructions
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Set goals and monitor our progress toward them
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Be flexible in our thinking and adapt to changes
Kids who struggle with executive functioning may have trouble:
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Regulating emotions when distressed or anxious
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Controlling impulses
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Paying attention
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Completing school assignments and turn them in on time
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Starting tasks that are non-preferred (i.e. not fun) or take a lot of effort
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Remembering and following instructions
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Understanding different points of view
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Planning and prioritizing
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Staying organized
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Using planning tools and managing their time
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Monitoring their progress on a task or project
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Setting goals
These skills develop naturally as children mature. They continue to develop into the mid to late 20s. However, not all children develop these skills at the same time. Some kids have delayed development and some kids have stronger executive function skills than others. Delayed or weak executive functioning is often associated with ADHD and other disorders.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS ARE SKILLS!
Skills can be taught, built and learned.
This site is about educating PARENTS & CAREGIVERS about these skills so they can help their kids become more independent, resilient and perform better in school and life.
Lara Carlson, Certified Executive Functioning Coach
My name is Lara, and I am a certified executive functioning coach and the single mom of a highly intelligent neurodivergent teen. After navigating the complexities of raising my son, I created this site for PARENTS to share the knowledge about executive functioning challenges that I wish I had when my son was younger.
Looking back on our journey, knowing what I know now would have made both of our lives significantly easier. We faced unnecessary frustration and drama. School could have been a far more effective, safe and enjoyable environment for him.
However, I am speaking from experience when I say that it is NOT too late to start now, no matter the age of your child, teen or young adult.
According to my son, my superpower is being able to break down complex issues and explain them in simple terms. This is what these courses will do for you. As a certified executive functioning coach, I am currently focusing on parent education. I believe that by educating parents, I can make a broader impact and reach more families.
Stay tuned for the evolution of this site, as I plan to expand with courses for both parent education and student learning. As a committed learner myself, I am selective about the educational resources I recommend, ensuring that they are of the highest quality. Together, we can build a strong, confident, and resilient generation of children. If you’re seeking support and answers, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent nearly two decades gathering this knowledge, and I’m here to share it with you.
