Boost Executive Functioning: How to Help Your Teen Build Better Habits
Executive functioning skills—like planning, time management, organization, and self-control—are essential for teens to succeed in school, relationships, and life. But these skills don’t always come naturally, especially during adolescence, when the brain is still developing. The good news? Executive functioning can improve with intentional practice and support.
Here’s how you can help your teen build better habits this year while boosting their executive functioning skills.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that allow individuals to manage their thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve goals. These include:
- Working Memory: Holding and using information in the short term.
- Inhibitory Control: Resisting impulses and staying focused.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to new situations and solving problems.
- Task Initiation: Being able to get started and avoid procrastination.
- Prioritization: Accurately identifying the highest priority tasks and acting accordingly.
- And more (read here)
When executive functioning is strong, teens can complete assignments on time, remember commitments, and manage stress. When it’s weak, they may struggle with procrastination, forgetfulness, or emotional outbursts.
Read More: Signs of Weak Executive Functioning >>
The Importance of Building Better Habits
Habits form the foundation for success. Small, consistent actions help teens feel more in control of their responsibilities and reduce overwhelm. By linking habit-building with executive functioning skills, you’re giving your teen tools to thrive—not just in school but in all areas of life.
Steps to Build Better Habits
1. Start Small and Specific
Encourage your teen to focus on one habit at a time. For example:
- Too broad: “Be more organized.”
- Specific: “Put homework in the same folder every day.”
Celebrating and noting small wins and babystepping towards larger-scale goals can lead to bigger changes over time.
2. Create a Routine
Habits stick best when they’re part of a predictable routine. Work with your teen to create a daily or weekly schedule that includes:
- Study time
- Chores or other commitments
- Relaxation and sleep
- Time with friends
Using a planner or digital app can help them visualize their day and prioritize tasks to make sure they make space for all the things they want to do and have to do. You know they’re going to make time for the fun things they want to do anyway—often at the expense of the less enjoyable tasks they have to do. Instead of saying they can’t do them, work with your teen to schedule those fun things first and show them the windows of time they’ll have for studying, homework, sleep, etc.!
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Did they finish their homework before dinner? Acknowledge it! Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and encourages consistency.
4. Teach Self-Monitoring
Help your teen evaluate their own progress. Questions like, “What worked well today?” or “What could I improve tomorrow?” can encourage self-awareness and adaptability—key components of executive functioning.
5. Address Challenges Without Judgment
When your teen struggles, focus on coming up with solutions rather than blaming them. For example:
- Struggle: Forgetting to pack gym clothes.
- Solution: Create a checklist for school essentials, or set reminders on their phones for the days they need to remember certain items.
Mistakes are opportunities for growth, and you’re not going to land on a system that works the first time. Get comfortable with trial-and-error and help your teen find the tools that work for them.
The Role of Brain Training in Strengthening Executive Functioning
While building habits is essential, some teens may need additional support to strengthen executive functioning skills. That’s where LearningRx can help.
Our brain training programs are designed to target and improve the cognitive skills that underlie executive functioning. By working with a personal brain trainer, your teen can develop skills like focus, working memory, and problem-solving—leading to stronger processing and greater confidence!*
If you’re questioning your teen’s ability to function independently or keep up with the pace of their world, it’s worth digging deeper to find the reasons they may be struggling. Our cognitive assessment is a helpful starting point to answer the question of WHY they’re struggling—rather than just providing constant workarounds for their weaknesses.
*Individual outcomes may vary.
