Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Development at Home

If you’ve ever watched your child struggle to remember their backpack, melt down over homework, or spend 20 minutes “getting ready” without ever putting on their shoes, you’ve seen executive functioning skills in action—or in development.

Executive functioning refers to the brain’s “management system”—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember, start tasks, and manage emotions. These skills are housed in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which continues developing well into a person’s twenties. That means your child is still learning how to use these skills effectively—and they need your help to practice them in everyday life.

Here are some ways from an expert executive functioning coach you can support your child’s executive function growth at home (without turning your house into a classroom!).

1. Build Routines That Create Predictability

Children thrive when they know what to expect. Morning and bedtime routines are especially powerful for supporting planning and organization.

Try this:

• Keep routines simple and visual—use a checklist with pictures for younger kids.

• Stick to consistent timing whenever possible (e.g., “homework right after snack”).

• Praise the process (“I love how you remembered to pack your water bottle today!”), not just the result.

Routines reduce the mental load on your child’s developing brain and free up energy for learning and self-regulation.

2. Help Your Child Learn to Break Big Tasks Into Small Steps

Executive functioning helps kids see the sequence of steps in a task—a skill that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If your child gets overwhelmed by a big project or a messy room, they may simply not know where to start.

Try this:

• Ask, “What’s one small thing we can do first?”

• Write out the steps together and let your child check them off.

• Model it yourself—say out loud, “First I’ll clear off the table, then I’ll get the cleaning spray.”

Breaking tasks down builds planning and task initiation—two core executive function skills.

3. Use Visual Supports to Make Thinking Concrete

Children’s working memory (the ability to hold and use information in their minds) is still developing. Visual supports help externalize what’s hard to remember internally.

Try this:

• Use calendars, sticky notes, or whiteboards for reminders.

• Create visual timers so your child can “see” time passing.

• Post checklists for routines like “getting ready for school.”

Visual cues don’t just help kids remember—they help them build independence and confidence.

4. Teach Emotional Regulation Through Co-Regulation

When your child melts down over a broken crayon or a forgotten homework folder, it’s not just about emotions—it’s about self-regulation, a key executive function skill.

Try this:

• Stay calm and model the tone you want to see.

• Label emotions (“It looks like you’re frustrated. Let’s take a breath together.”).

• Once calm, help problem-solve (“What could we try next time?”).

Your calm presence teaches your child’s nervous system what regulation feels like—and helps them learn to manage frustration, disappointment, and impulse control.

5. Encourage Reflection and Problem-Solving

Reflection helps children strengthen metacognition—thinking about their thinking. This is what allows them to learn from mistakes and plan differently next time.

Try this:

• After a challenging moment, gently ask, “What do you think worked?” or “What might you try next time?”

• Celebrate small wins: “You remembered your soccer bag without me reminding you—how did you remember today?”

These conversations build awareness, confidence, and ownership of their own growth.

A Note for Parents: Progress Takes Time

Executive function skills develop slowly—and unevenly. A child might be great at remembering facts for a science project, but struggle to remember their shoes every morning. That’s normal.

Your role isn’t to make your child’s executive functioning perfect—it’s to create a supportive environment where they can practice these skills and recover from mistakes with guidance and encouragement.

Every forgotten lunch, late start, or emotional outburst is a chance for learning and growth—for both of you. If you’d like extra support navigating these challenges, Finding Focus Therapy in Boulder County offers parent coaching to help you build practical strategies and lasting routines at home.

Final Thought

Supporting executive function development at home isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about using everyday moments as teaching opportunities. When you offer structure, empathy, and space to problem-solve, you’re helping your child build the foundation for independence, resilience, and lifelong success.

And remember: you’re not just managing chaos—you’re raising a developing brain.

Empower Your Child’s Growth with Supportive Parent Coaching in Boulder, CO

If you’re ready to help your child build stronger focus, organization, and emotional regulation, parent coaching in Boulder, CO can guide you every step of the way. Together, you’ll learn practical tools to support your child’s executive functioning skills with more confidence and calm. Reach out to Finding Focus Therapy today to start creating structure and connection that truly lasts. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if parent coaching is right for you

2. Begin working with a supportive parent coach, Liz Morrison

3. Start empowering your child's growth!

Additional Services Offered at Finding Focus Therapy

At Finding Focus Therapy, I provide executive function coaching for adults, young adults, and parents seeking more structure and calm in their daily lives. We’ll work together to identify the obstacles that disrupt routines and create practical systems that make it easier to manage time, follow through on tasks, and stay grounded during busy days. Parents gain strategies to balance family demands with personal goals, while adults and young adults develop tools to navigate work, relationships, and personal growth with confidence and clarity.

The focus goes beyond skill-building to lasting change—crafting routines that support you rather than add stress. In a collaborative, judgment-free environment, we’ll strengthen the habits and mindset that foster focus, capability, and control. You’re also welcome to explore my blog for additional tips and brain-based approaches to everyday success.

About the Author

Liz Morrison, LCSW, is the founder of Finding Focus Therapy in Boulder, CO. With more than ten years of clinical experience, she helps adults, young adults, and parents strengthen executive functioning skills to make daily life more organized, intentional, and manageable. Liz knows how challenging it can be to balance responsibilities with self-care, and she brings empathy, practical guidance, and curiosity to every session. Her approach combines evidence-based techniques with a warm, approachable style—supporting clients in building confidence, calm, and effective routines.

Beyond individual coaching, Liz leads workshops and trainings for schools, organizations, and community groups. These sessions equip participants with practical tools for managing stress, improving focus, and creating lasting balance. Whether working with parents navigating family demands or young adults tackling life transitions, Liz is committed to helping people move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable, centered, and in control.