What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning skills are the foundational skills we use every day to organize our lives and get things done. These are the skills that help us complete daily routines, self-regulate, navigate unexpected transitions, succeed in academic settings, and socialize with friends.
Understanding the 3 Main Components of Executive Functioning
1. Working Memory
Working memory plays a large role in how we process, use, and remember information daily. This is the type of memory skill that helps us to remember and apply information into everyday activities. Some examples include: remembering the rules of a game, remembering story details, and/or following multi-step directions.
Activities that can help promote working memory in your child:
- Memory card matching games
- Simon Says
- The Alphabet Shopping Game:
- “I am going to the beach and I am going to bring… an apple”. Start with the letter ‘A’, and at each new turn the next player needs to say each item that has already been said, AND a new item that starts with the next letter.
2. Inhibitory Control
Inhibitory control is our ability to control our impulses and have control over our reactions. Impulse control impacts our safety awareness, ability to regulate our emotions, navigate social scenarios, and more. Some examples include: raising your hand during class and waiting to be called on, waiting in line for your turn, staying focused on tasks and resisting distractions, stopping before doing something that is not safe, or having an appropriate size reaction for a given problem.
Activities that can help promote inhibitory control in your child:
- Simon Says
- Red Light, Green Light
- Give your child warnings before changing activities, either verbally or with the use of a visual timer
- Model self-regulation strategies for your child (e.g., taking deep breaths when upset)
3. Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive Flexibility is the ability to easily and efficiently switch between topics/activities. Flexibility is a key component to positively participating in play, learning, and social environments. Some examples include: switching between play and mealtime, handling change and new experiences, and/or solving problem scenarios.
Activities that can help promote cognitive flexibility in your child:
- Challenge your child to play games differently by creating new rules for a familiar game
- Play games that involve being on a team with a peer
- Change up your regularly scheduled routine
Is Your Child Having Difficulties with their Executive Functioning Skills?
Some common signs:
- Appears impulsive
- Has difficulties sustaining attention to tasks
- Has difficulties with emotional control
- Large reactions for small problems
- Goes “0 to 100” when something does not go their way
- Has difficulties planning and completing projects
- Frequently forgets rules or directions
- Has difficulties starting tasks on their own
- Struggles with time management
- Rigidly follows routines and dislikes change
How Can Pediatric Occupational Therapists at More to Say Help?
At More to Say, we can incorporate executive functioning development into child-led and naturalistic opportunities. This can be through creating obstacle courses, doing simple meal prep, playing with peers, and more. Our approach promotes fun, motivation, and generalization of skills to the home environment! Caregivers are given an abundance of education to feel confident in carrying over strategies across environments.
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Questions About Your Child’s Development?
We would love to set up a free phone screening between you and one of our licensed clinicians! Call us at (203) 828-6790 or email us at info@moretosayct.com to schedule.
