What are Executive Functioning Skills and Why Do They Matter for Young Children? (Part 1)
- Nicole Bryson
- Jul 8, 2025
- 2 min read
As parent coaches, some of the most common struggles we hear from parents sound like this:
"I feel like I have to keep reminding them over and over to do simple things like putting their pajamas on.”
“He is so impulsive—he doesn’t think before he does something!”
"Homework is SUCH a battle every single night.”
"Mornings are chaos! I feel like I have to do everything for them.”
Sound familiar?
Often, what’s going on beneath these day-to-day struggles is something called executive functioning.
What Is Executive Function?
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help us manage our thoughts, emotions and actions. Think of it as the brain’s “air traffic control system”—it helps children:
Plan
Stay organized
Follow directions
Control impulses
Stay focused on goals
For young children, these skills are still developing, and that development takes time, repetition, and a lot of support from the adults around them.
The 3 Core Areas of Executive Functioning
1. Working MemoryThe ability to hold and use information in your mind.
For a child, this could mean remembering the steps to brush their teeth or what the teacher just asked them to do.
2. Inhibitory ControlThe ability to pause before acting.
It helps kids resist impulses (like blurting out or grabbing a toy) and follow rules.
3. Cognitive FlexibilityThe ability to adapt to changes and switch gears.
This shows up when routines change or a game doesn’t go their way.
Why It Matters for Young Children
These skills are essential for almost every part of your child’s day—from playing with friends to getting ready in the morning. They lay the foundation for:
Success at school
Strong social-emotional skills
Confidence and independence
When kids struggle with executive functioning, it’s not because they’re lazy or defiant, it usually means they’re still developing these skills and need more practice and support.
Stay tuned for part 2. In our next post, we’ll look at how executive functioning shows up in everyday routines—and what parents can do to support their child’s development.
Want to dive even deeper into understanding and supporting your child's executive function skills? Join our upcoming webinar — it's packed with practical tools and expert insights to help you feel more confident and connected as a parent.
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