Estimated reading time: 6 min
Parents often ask me, “How do I teach my child the skills they need to stay organized, manage time, and follow through?” And here’s the good news: executive functioning skills can absolutely be taught, even if your child has ADHD, anxiety, or a history of emotional dysregulation.
This episode breaks down exactly how to begin teaching these skills in a way that feels positive and doable—for you and your child.
The real starting point? Helping your child think in end results so their brain knows where it’s going. Once a child can see the outcome, we can work backward and build a plan. That’s the heart of executive functioning.
How do I teach my child to “see” the end result of a task?
Kids with lagging EF skills truly can’t picture the finished product. You may think, “They’ve seen a clean room before!”—but their brain doesn’t automatically visualize it the way yours does.
Teach end results by:
- Talking through the outcome: “What does a clean room look like?”
- Using gestures and role-play
- Having your child close their eyes and imagine steps
A dad recently told me his daughter “knew” what clean looked like, but she still couldn’t start. When we taught her to visualize the result first, task initiation improved almost immediately.
What do I do when my child pushes back on new routines?
Pushback is normal. Change is uncomfortable—even positive change. Kids (and parents!) resist new expectations because old habits feel easier.
Support your child through discomfort by:
- Normalizing the adjustment period
- Keeping reinforcement high
- Staying calm and consistent
Remember: their brain is rewiring. That takes time, practice, and lots of modeling from you.
How do I build planning and prioritizing without overwhelming my child?
Planning requires breaking down the “implicit” into the “explicit.” Your child needs to hear your thought process before they can learn to do it themselves.
Try saying:
- “Let’s work backward. What’s the last step?”
- “What has to happen first?”
- “What supplies do you need to start?”
Kids often have brilliant ideas—they just can’t organize them yet. When we scaffold the steps, their confidence grows.
How do I help my child develop metacognition?
Metacognition—thinking about thinking—is one of the most important EF skills. Most kids don’t naturally narrate their own process, so they need us to model it.
I often say aloud: “Okay, I need to write an email. First I’ll grab my laptop… then open my notes…”
This teaches your child the inner voice they haven’t developed yet.
What if I struggle with executive functioning too?
You’re not alone. Many parents I work with say, “This is hard for me too.” And that’s okay. This becomes a shared opportunity for growth, not a source of shame.
What we won’t do is expect our kids to build skills we refuse to build ourselves. When you model consistency—even imperfectly—your child learns faster.
Want to stay calm when your child pushes every button? Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get the FREE Regulation Rescue Kit—your step-by-step guide to stop oppositional behaviors without yelling or giving in. Go to www.drroseann.com/newsletter and grab your kit today.
🗣️ “You can’t assume kids know how to plan or prioritize—these skills must be taught, reinforced, and modeled consistently.” — Dr. Roseann
Takeaway & What’s Next
Teaching executive functioning isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping your child see outcomes, plan backward, and feel proud of their effort. Small steps add up. To go deeper, listen next to the episode on #1 Way to Teach Executive Functioning Skills for Better Grades and a Calmer Mind. I’m here cheering you on.
FAQs
What’s the first step in teaching executive functioning?
Start by helping your child visualize the end result. Everything builds from there.
How do I handle my child’s resistance?
Expect pushback, stay calm, and keep reinforcing the new skill. Their brain needs time to adjust.
Can younger kids learn executive functioning skills?
Absolutely. Even preschoolers can imagine outcomes, follow steps, and begin planning with support.
Do checklists work?
Only when paired with clear visualization and modeling. Checklists alone aren’t enough.
How long does it take to see progress?
With consistency, most families notice small wins in a few weeks and bigger changes over time.
Every child’s journey is different.
Take the free Solution Matcher Quiz and get a customized path to support your child’s emotional and behavioral needs—no guessing, no fluff. Start today at www.drroseann.com/help
