Executive Functioning—it’s the latest buzzword in psychology, education, and parenting circles. But what does it actually mean?
Simply put, executive functioning is the set of brain skills that help us solve problems, plan ahead, and actually get things done instead of just thinking about doing them (looking at you, laundry pile). These skills live in the frontal lobe of your brain—the last part to develop, which is why teenagers make such stellar life choices. Fun fact: Your frontal lobe isn’t fully cooked until your mid-20s (or, let’s be real, possibly never if your executive functioning is really on struggle mode).
There are four big categories of executive functioning, each with two important components:
1️⃣ Fluency – Can your brain juggle multiple things at once?
Working Memory – Holding onto information long enough to use it (like remembering all the steps to a long math problem without wanting to cry).
Processing Speed – How quickly you absorb and react to information (A.K.A. how fast you can respond when your kid yells “MOM!” for the 47th time).
2️⃣ Organization – Can you actually make a plan and stick to it?
Planning – Seeing a task through from start to finish, including knowing what you need and how long it will take. (Spoiler alert: You always need more time than you think.)
Prioritizing – Knowing which tasks are urgent and which ones can wait. (Do I answer this email, or do I clean up the Play-Doh volcano in my kitchen?)
3️⃣ Flexibility – Can you roll with the punches?
Changing Perspective – Adapting your mindset when the situation shifts (A.K.A. realizing your toddler isn't trying to ruin your life when they dump their entire lunch on the floor).
Shifting Attention – Moving between multiple tasks without losing your mind (or at least remembering why you walked into a room).
4️⃣ Control – Can you keep your cool under pressure?
Self-Monitoring – Being able to step back and assess your performance (like realizing you’ve been scrolling TikTok for 45 minutes instead of “taking a break”).
Self-Regulation – Managing emotions, attention, and behavior so you can actually accomplish goals (instead of rage-quitting because your IKEA furniture instructions make no sense).
So, Are We Expecting Too Much from Kids? 🤷♀️
Some experts argue that the executive functioning demands we put on kids and teens are just too much. Their brains literally aren’t wired yet to handle all the tasks we throw at them (but we still expect them to keep track of homework, sports, chores, and somehow remember to wear deodorant).
What do you think? Is executive functioning something your child (or you) struggle with? Let’s hear it in the comments! 💬
💚 Need help navigating executive functioning challenges? We’ve got strategies that actually work.📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org
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