Supporting Executive Functioning Skills in Your Primary School Child
As parents, we often focus on helping our children learn to read, write, and add numbers. Yet there is another set of skills—just as important—that often goes unseen but makes a big difference in how children manage everyday life. These are executive functioning skills.
Executive functioning is like the “air traffic control system” of the brain. It helps children pay attention, manage emotions, remember instructions, plan ahead, and stay organised. For primary school–aged children, these skills are still developing and can sometimes look “messy” as they practice and grow.
If your child struggles with attention, planning, inhibition control, organisation, emotional regulation, or working memory, you are not alone. Many children need extra support in these areas—and there are practical things you can do at home to help.
1. Build Strong Routines
Children thrive on predictability. Morning and after-school routines reduce stress and free up mental space for learning. Visual schedules or checklists can help your child know what comes next without needing constant reminders.
2. Break Tasks Into Steps
Big tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into small, manageable parts. For example, instead of saying “clean your room,” you might say:
Pick up your toys.
Put your clothes in the basket.
Make your bed.
Checking off each step gives a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence.
3. Use Visuals and Reminders
Working memory is like a sticky note in the brain—it can only hold so much at once. Visual cues such as calendars, whiteboards, or sticky notes can support memory and independence.
4. Practice Emotional Regulation
Help your child name their feelings (“I feel angry” or “I feel worried”) and learn calming strategies such as deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, or taking a movement break. When emotions run high, co-regulate by staying calm and offering support.
5. Encourage Organisation Skills
Set up systems together—like a drawer for school supplies or a colour-coded folder for homework. Packing the school bag the night before helps reduce morning stress and teaches responsibility.
6. Play Games That Build Thinking Skills
Board games like “Connect 4,” “Guess Who?” or “Uno” help children practice planning, memory, and impulse control in fun, low-pressure ways. Cooking together is another great way to practice following steps, planning, and sequencing.
7. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes
Executive functioning skills take time to grow. Praise your child for their persistence (“I noticed you kept trying even when it was tricky”) rather than only the finished result. This builds resilience and motivation.
A Final Thought
Executive functioning skills are not fixed traits—they grow with practice, support, and patience. By creating structure, using tools, and modelling calm problem-solving, you can help your child strengthen these skills over time. Remember, progress may be slow and uneven, but every small step forward matters.