Ever feel like no matter how much you guide or encourage your child, they still struggle to follow through?
Whether it’s unfinished homework, a messy desk, or emotional outbursts that seem to come out of nowhere, the root cause might not just be a lack of motivation. The challenge could lie deeper—in their executive functions and metacognition.
At my clinic in Ridgefield, CT, I often work with mothers who are at their wit’s end, trying to support children with failing grades or struggles in completing even the simplest of tasks. One of the first things I investigate is whether executive function difficulties, ADHD, or other underlying challenges are at play. Identifying the core issue is the key to unlocking progress.
What is Metacognition?
Metacognition refers to the higher-order cognitive processes involved in the regulation, monitoring, and evaluation of one’s own cognitive functions. It encompasses the ability to reflect upon and control one’s thought processes, including learning strategies, problem-solving techniques, and decision-making.
Essentially, it’s your child’s ability to “think about their thinking” and reflect on their actions and decisions.
Metacognition is typically divided into two primary components: metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulation. The metacognitive process is crucial for identifying strengths and weaknesses in one's cognitive abilities.
- Metacognitive Knowledge: This involves an individual’s awareness and understanding of their own cognitive processes, including knowledge about one’s cognitive abilities, the nature of specific tasks, and the strategies that are effective for learning or problem-solving (Flavell, 1979).
- Metacognitive Regulation: This component involves the active management and control of cognitive processes, including planning (e.g., setting goals and selecting strategies), monitoring (e.g., assessing progress and understanding), and evaluating (e.g., reflecting on the effectiveness of strategies and making adjustments) (Schraw & Moshman, 1995). Executive functioning supports these metacognitive strategies by enabling complex cognitive tasks such as inhibition and updating.
Research has shown that metacognitive skills are key to solving problems and adapting to new challenges. For example, people who use these skills can better manage their learning, focus their energy on what matters most, and perform better on difficult tasks (Zimmerman, 2002).
Metacognitive Skills
Metacognitive skills are like a child's brain's personal toolkit for tackling challenges and solving problems. Imagine them as a built-in GPS, helping your kids become more aware of their thinking, plan their approach, keep track of their progress, and adjust as needed. These skills are essential for helping your child learn effectively and navigate tricky situations with confidence.
Key metacognitive skills include:
1. Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s own cognitive strengths and weaknesses, including understanding what one knows and what one needs to learn.
Example: Your 7-year-old who’s doing a puzzle and realizes she is good at finding edge pieces but struggles to match colors in the middle. Your child recognizes she might need to ask for help or take extra time with the trickier parts.
2. Planning: Setting goals, selecting appropriate strategies, and organizing tasks before starting a cognitive activity or problem-solving process.
Example: Your 9-year-old is building a LEGO set. Before starting, he set out all the pieces, decides to follow the instruction booklet step by step, and makes sure he has enough time to finish the project without rushing.
3. Monitoring: Continuously assessing one’s own understanding and performance during a task, such as checking if comprehension is accurate or if a strategy is effective.
Example: Your 8-year-old is reading a storybook for school. As she reads, she notices that she doesn’t understand what just happened in a part of the story. She stops, goes back a few sentences, and re-reads to make sure she’s following along.
4. Evaluating: Reflecting on the effectiveness of strategies and approaches after completing a task, and making adjustments based on what was learned from the experience
Example: Your 6-year-old is learning how to tie her shoes. After finishing, she realizes the knot came undone too quickly. She thinks about what went wrong and decides to try pulling the laces tighter next time.
5. Regulation: Adjusting strategies and approaches as needed based on ongoing self-assessment and feedback, including adapting plans or modifying techniques to improve outcomes.
Example: Your 5-year-old is drawing a picture and wants to stay inside the lines but keeps coloring outside of them. Halfway through, she decides to switch from crayons to markers with finer tips to have better control.
Recognizing and applying cognitive strategies is crucial for individuals to become independent learners. It enables them to select appropriate approaches and navigate challenges effectively.
Why Metacognition is Low in Children With Executive Function Issues
Executive function and metacognition are both supported by the brain's prefrontal cortex (PFC), which governs processes like planning, monitoring, and decision-making.
The PFC's structural integrity, along with neural connectivity between the hippocampus and amygdala, is crucial for both metacognition and executive functioning.
Efficient neural networks, including the Default Mode Network (DMN) for introspection and the Central Executive Network (CEN) for task control, enable adaptive thinking.
Likewise, white matter tracts and synaptic signaling also play a key role in linking these regions, facilitating the ability to reflect on past experiences and adjust strategies accordingly.
Neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to reorganize itself, further enhances both executive function and metacognition. Working memory, managed by the PFC and hippocampus, allows for holding and adjusting information, while emotional regulation, influenced by the PFC-amygdala pathway, helps children stay calm and reflective.
Because of this connection, when executive function is compromised, the prefrontal cortex may not effectively support the cognitive flexibility and self-awareness needed for metacognitive activities. As a result, children may struggle with tasks that require them to think about their own thinking, leading to difficulties in adapting their strategies and improving their problem-solving skills.
Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to support children with executive function issues. By focusing on strengthening executive function skills and providing targeted support, parents and educators can help these children develop more effective metacognitive strategies, ultimately enhancing their overall cognitive and academic performance.
8 Tips to Improve Metacognition and Executive Function in Children
As parents, navigating the challenges of raising a child with executive dysfunction can be overwhelming. Executive function difficulties impact skills like planning, organization, and self-regulation, making everyday tasks and decision-making a struggle. Improving your child’s metacognition—the ability to think about their own thinking—can significantly enhance their executive function.
1. Encourage Daily Reflection
One of the best ways to help your child become more aware of their thinking processes is through daily reflection. This practice allows them to understand how they approach tasks and make decisions. Start by creating a routine where you and your child reflect on the day’s events together.
Parent Action Steps:
- Set aside a few minutes each evening for your child to share their thoughts about the day.
- Ask guiding questions like, “What strategies helped you with your homework today?” or “What was challenging about your day?”
- Help your child journal their reflections to track patterns and identify areas for improvement.
2. Set Clear Goals and Break Them Down
Setting clear, achievable goals can provide your child with a sense of direction and purpose. Breaking these goals into smaller, manageable steps helps them stay focused and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed.
Parent Action Steps:
- Work with your child to set specific, realistic goals for their tasks or projects.
- Break down these goals into smaller, actionable steps.
- Use visual aids like charts or checklists to help your child track their progress and stay motivated.
3. Implement Time Management Strategies
Effective time management is essential for children with executive dysfunction. By teaching them how to manage their time effectively, you can help them stay organized and reduce stress.
Parent Action Steps:
- Create a daily schedule with your child, including time blocks for homework, chores, and leisure.
- Use timers or alarms to help them stay on track and manage their time.
- Encourage the use of planners or digital calendars to organize tasks and deadlines.
4. Foster Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt to new information or changes—is crucial for managing executive function. Encourage your child to practice adapting their approach when faced with challenges or new situations.
Parent Action Steps:
- Engage your child in activities that require problem-solving and creative thinking, like puzzles or strategy games.
- Help your child brainstorm multiple solutions when they encounter a problem.
- Encourage them to adjust their plans and strategies when things don’t go as expected.
5. Develop Metacognitive Learning Strategies
Metacognitive strategies support better learning by helping your child plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning processes. These strategies can improve their ability to understand and retain information.
Parent Action Steps:
- Teach your child to set specific learning goals before starting a new task.
- Encourage them to check their understanding regularly and adjust their approach if needed.
- After completing a task, review what they’ve learned and discuss what strategies worked best.
6. Strengthen Working Memory
Working memory helps your child hold and manipulate information over short periods. Strengthening this skill can improve their ability to manage tasks and solve problems more effectively.
Parent Action Steps:
- Use memory aids like visual reminders or mnemonic devices to help your child remember important information.
- Practice memory exercises, such as repeating sequences or recalling lists, to boost working memory.
- Break complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts to reduce cognitive load.
7. Cultivate Self-Regulation Skills
Self-regulation involves managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve goals. Helping your child develop these skills can enhance their focus, impulse control, and perseverance.
Parent Action Steps:
- Teach your child mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or relaxation exercises, to manage stress and emotions.
- Encourage positive self-talk and visualization to boost motivation and focus.
- Establish consistent routines and habits to promote stability and reduce distractions.
8. Encourage Constructive Use of Feedback
Feedback can provide valuable insights into your child’s performance and help them identify areas for improvement. Encourage your child to seek and use feedback constructively to enhance their skills.
Parent Action Steps:
- Provide regular, constructive feedback on your child’s efforts and approaches.
- Help them reflect on the feedback they receive from teachers or peers and identify specific areas for improvement.
- Support them in making adjustments based on feedback and monitor their progress to ensure effectiveness.
Nervous System Dysregulation, Metacognition, and Executive Functioning
When children struggle with organizing their thoughts, staying on task, or managing emotions, it often stems from difficulties with metacognition and executive function. However, when the nervous system is dysregulated—due to stress or anxiety—it can greatly interfere with your child’s abilities.
The good news is that by improving emotional regulation, you can support your child’s ability to think critically, manage tasks, and adapt to challenges.
- Co-Regulation through Calm Presence
One of the most effective ways to help your child regulate their nervous system is through co-regulation—providing calm, supportive responses when they’re feeling overwhelmed. By staying calm yourself, you help model emotional control and create a safe space for your child to calm down. - Breathing Exercises
Teach your child deep breathing techniques, such as slow, deep inhales and exhales, to activate the body’s relaxation response. You can do these together, which provides a sense of connection and reinforces calming behavior. - Mindful Movement and Play
Physical activities like yoga, dancing, or simple outdoor play can help release built-up tension and bring the nervous system into balance. Engaging in these activities together also strengthens emotional bonds and supports mutual regulation. - Consistent Routines and Predictability
Create a consistent daily routine with time for both work and relaxation. Predictability can reduce anxiety and provide your child with a sense of control, helping them feel more grounded and regulated. - Empathetic Emotional Check-Ins
Check in with your child regularly to talk about how they’re feeling. Offer empathetic listening and guidance in managing emotions. When children feel understood and supported, it helps them regulate their nervous system and develop emotional resilience.
Citations:
Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitive-developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), 906-911.
Schraw, G., & Moshman, D. (1995). Metacognitive theories. Educational Psychology Review, 7(4), 351-371.
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: Phase models of self-regulation and learning. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 3-17.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Executive Functioning who frequently is in the media:
- Think Inclusive How Families Can Support Twice Exceptional Children
- Healthline Understanding Self-Regulation Skills
- Seeme & Liz 12 Essential Parenting Tips For Kids with ADHD
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© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2024
Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2024
