If you’ve ever found yourself saying “But I KNOW you know how to do this!” While staring at an unfinished homework assignment, an overflowing backpack or a forgotten project sitting on the kitchen counter, you know how frustrating these moments can be.
Maybe your child can explain exactly how to complete an assignment but somehow can never get it started. Maybe they remember every detail about their favorite video game and spend hours focusing on something they love, but sitting down to study or remembering to write down their homework feels impossible.
You might find yourself wondering, “how can they be so capable but still struggle with the simplest of tasks. Sounds familiar? There may be more going on that we just can’t see.
For many children and teens with ADHD, the answer may have a lot to do with executive functioning.
Executive functioning refers to the mental skills we use to plan, organize, manage time, remember information, regulate emotions, shift between tasks, control impulses and follow through on our goals. These skills help us to manage the everyday demands of school, home, work and life.
ADHD can make some of these skills more difficult to consistently use. This doesn’t mean that a child is lazy, unmotivated or careless, they may simply need different strategies and support to help their brains manage the demands being put on them.
A child or teen with ADHD may:
- Frequently forgetting homework, assignments or school materials.
- Lose important papers, supplies or belongings.
- Have difficulty getting started on tasks.
- Struggle to estimate how long something takes.
- Get distracted easily or struggle to maintain focus.
- Have difficulty transitioning between one activity to another.
- Start multiple tasks without finishing them.
- Struggle to keep their room, backpack, or locker organized.
Unfortunately, telling a child “Just be more organized” doesn’t teach them how to be organized. Just like when you tell me, “Just don’t eat that chocolate cake!” or “Just go to the gym!”… Yeah right. But that’s where executive functioning coaching can help.
Executive functioning coaching can help to teach children and teens practical skills and strategies that they can use in their everyday lives. Rather than simply telling them what they should be doing, coaching helps them to figure out what works best for them.
Executive functioning coaching will focus on:
- Planning and prioritizing
- Time management
- Task initiation
- Organization
- Breaking down tasks
- Working memory
- Emotional regulation & flexibility
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s independence. Even if that means getting to the point of no longer being asked where their sneakers are while you’re standing right next to them!
Teaching children and teens how their brains work, identifying the areas that are challenging for them and developing strategies that make everyday responsibilities feel more manageable will help students to become more confident, more independent and better suited to advocate for what they really need.
At Sensory Stepping Stones, we offer individual coaching and group classes designed to help children and teens strengthen their executive functioning, academic and organizational skills.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t that your child doesn’t want to do it, it’s that they may need help figuring out how to do it.
Want to know more about how we can help your child get organized and keep the school year strong? Sign up for your Free Consultation today!
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Melanie has been part of the Staff at Sensory Stepping Stones for over 2 years bringing her dedication and compassion to each family she works with. She currently holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry and is pursuing her second master’s in mental health counseling at Mercy University and is expected to graduate in Spring of 2027.
