You may not have a clue what that means, or maybe you do, but you aren't sure how that's relative to #mamalife or #homeschoollife. Let's start with the basic, dictionary, definition. According to Merriam-Webster: Executive function is the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior.
Also, it is something I am passionate about developing in our kiddos.
These processes are fundamental and allow one to be proficient in the areas of: adaptable thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory, time management, and organization. Listen... how do we expect our children to ever live independent, successful lives and demonstrate self-sufficiency and critical thinking if these mental processes and skills are not taught, modeled, and developed?
The answer... they won't. Period. Development and growth of these skills and processes starts early. Just like with anything we want them to learn or to make habit, it takes implementation and repetition. With that being said, I believe it is inherently true that some children/individuals will be more naturally inclined to appreciate and even possess these skills. Some individuals are organizationally minded or natural problem solvers. If this is your child, you are definitely one step ahead of the crowd. If it isn't, then don't delay. Do some research and make some moves. The sooner you begin teaching and growing these skills with your children, the easier it will be to make sure it becomes a part of who they are and how well they function. If you need a jump start for further reading, start here: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/what-is-executive-function-and-how-does-it-relate-to-child-developmentÂ
You may be asking yourself, how in the world this topic became a "thing" for me. Well, I am naturally an impatient person. I do not tolerate having to micro manage people well. Repeating myself 1,837 times before seeing a result, is infuriating for me. I discovered this during the raising of my middle daughter. Executive functioning skills absolutely do not come naturally to her. When I found myself saying the same things over and over, day in and day out, and then realizing she was not retaining memory or displaying any self-sufficiency in the in's and out's of her daily tasks and expectations, I became frustrated and concerned. I started reading and asking questions, and found that she struggled with all 7 processes. It became my mission to implement structure, chore charts, to-do lists, and then expectations, consequences, and rewards in correlation to her efforts to engage, follow through, and take initiative in the processes we had put into place. Fast forward - and we are at a time in her life when she is able to verbalize that the chaos and disorganization and lack of preparedness brought on by NOT executing these skills well, is IN FACT a huge source of anxiety and stress for her. (In most cases, it is for everyone!) No one likes to feel ill-prepared or like they have failed at something. Yet the opportunity to help our children develop these executive functioning skills is so often missed. Harvard suggest (in the article I linked above) that the prime age for development of these skills happens between the ages of 3 & 5!!! MAMA'S... that is sooooooo early! You can't put this off.
I am here to help you NOT miss it! One of the simplest ways to help your child develop executive functioning skills is by implementing schedules and tools which allow them to exhibit independence in executing the daily schedule or expectations. There are a million and one ways to do this. Everything from chore charts, picture schedules, magnet boards, sticker charts, and so many more, are all great tools. (Raising Life Long Learners offers a great article on other ways to practice these skills here: https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/executive-functioning-activities-for-small-children/Â
For me personally, (and we've tried a whole entourage!), I have found that a magnetic chore chart is amazing. Here is a link to check out tons of ready made, quick ship, options: https://amzn.to/3dMXKM6 that may be exactly what you are looking for! I prefer to DIY it! :) I have made them on cookie sheets before. This time (as you can see above) I used a magnetic chalk board style board (https://amzn.to/3AEjX7Y), fun scrapbooking stickers, and 2" round Avery labels (https://amzn.to/3PGWirS).  Avery offers a cool feature on their website where you can design and print your own labels and stickers! It is super user friendly and you can then completely customize your "chores" and images to meet your and your child's needs. Then get yourself some fun, colorful, easy to handle magnets (https://amzn.to/3AbqzJP) and allow your kiddo to (1)check their chore chart (2)execute their jobs independently (3)and check things off their list!
As you can see, my little guy is so excited!
This is the age when the need for control and independence is running rampant. (You do know that MOST of those tantrums and drama fits are completely about the need to do it on their own and make their own choice, right?!?! :) ) He will be earning a small reward at the end of the week for completion of his chart and tasks and all the while we are secretly developing those executive functioning skills! (Shhhhh! Don't tell him!)
Thank you for checking out today's "soapbox" post and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear some of the awesome ways you implement executive functioning practice in your home and home schooling situations! Comment below! Let's grow together. <3
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