An overview of executive functioning skills (Freebie alert)!

Think of a task that you really dislike doing.  I'm thinking of cleaning my bathroom.

Do you avoid it? I can do it later.
Do you try to get someone else to do it for you? It's time to get a cleaner.
Do you prioritize other things as more important? I'll make dinner, vacuum, walk the dog first.
Do you deny that the task needs to be done? It's not that dirty, I can do it another day.

What eventually helps you to get started? 
Do you barter with yourself, promising a reward after the job is done? A cup of coffee and chocolate.
Do you rationalize how you will feel after when the task is done? My bathroom will be sparkling.
Do you just get in there and do it so that you can get on with the rest of your day? 123, let's go.
Do you buy yourself new products to give yourself an incentive? I'll buy that new no scrub spray.
Do you call in a friend or family member to complain and receive support? Urgh I hate cleaning mum!
Do you write a checklist so that you can cross the task off the list with satisfaction? So satisfying!
Do you set yourself a time limit and make sure you stick with it? Ok I've got half an hour, let's do it!
Do you persevere even when you are interrupted or something more exciting is happening? Need to finish!

As an adult, we find our own solutions to get things done.  We problem solve. We break down tasks into smaller components.  We seek help. We prioritize and rationalize.  We work to time constraints and plan ahead to make sure when can multi-task. 

For our children, executive functioning skills can be hard! Executive functioning skills are needed everyday and can underpin a child's ability to perform a variety of tasks from simple (putting on socks) to complex (organising their school bag in the morning). When the task is non-preferred, children are very good at finding ways to avoid it or procrastinate.  They become overwelmed easily when tasks seem too big or unfair.  The tasks that we see as "simple" can be the ones that they find challenging.  Even the anticipation that a task may need to be done can lead to an emotional or behavioural reaction. 

As parents, teachers and therapists; we want our children to succeed.  Success can look different for each child. We want our children to achieve the simple, every day things that can impact quality of life. 

In my work as an occupational therpaist, I've been using a "traffic light framework" to help explain executive functioning skills to parents, teachers and therapists.  The term executive functioning is very broad. Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that enable us to control our thoughts, emotions and actions to complete tasks. It involves managing impulse control, emotional regulation, knowing the goal, planning, organizing resources, metacognition, flexibility, task initiation, working memory, perserverance and self monitoring. 
 
I'm excited to announce that I am the opening speaker of the 3rd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit. In my session, I am providing an overview of executive functioning skills for parents using the traffic light framework.  I provide practical recommendations for parents for embedding these skills into daily life.

I am joining a team of 20 speakers to present to you a range of topics including:

• Interoception 
• Sensory processing and eating
• Supporting your child with their big emotions
• Child-led learning
• The importance of self talk

This summit is available for FREE and is directed mainly to parents (those who homeschool or not).  Therapists and teachers will also benefit from attending. When you register for the summit, you will be notified each day with a 24 hour link to the specific speaker for the day.  The 24 hour link also provides access to each free resource that the speaker provides.  You will need to access that resource on the day or you will miss out. 

My session is the opening talk on October 20th from 9am EST (US time zone).  For my Australian audience, this is October 21st midnight for 24 hours.  This is also the launch of OT week in Australia, so I'm very excited to have these events coincide!

Use the link here to access the FREE registration. Please note that you will need to register before the summit begins to have free access to the talks and resources. 

There is a VIP pass option for those of you who want to view these talks in your own time! Use this link to access the VIP pass and have unlimited access to all 20 talks. 

The VIP pass also give you access to a complimentary homeschool coaching session with Afsaneh Moradian (the coordinator of the summit).  This private session will help those of you who are homeschooling your children to create an action plan for overcoming challenges you may be currently facing, receive personal support and coaching. 

My free resource includes an overview of executive functioning skills (seen in the image above).  

You can also find more information about executive functioning skills in my Parent Guide to Executive Functioning Skills. This 24 page resource is available from the Your Kids OT shop and the YKOT TPT Store. 

So the vital links are here:

• Free registration to the 3rd Neurodiverse Homeschooling Summit
• VIP pass 
• Parent guide to EF skills

Home to see you at the summit!
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Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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