How Important is Executive Function

Executive functioning encompasses many skills that combine our ability to integrate the cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor skills we develop over time to become successful adults. Executive function and self-regulation skills depend on three types of brain function: working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. These functions are highly interrelated, and the successful application of executive function skills requires them to operate in coordination with each other.

Working memory: governs our ability to retain and manipulate amount of information over short periods of time.

Mental flexibility: helps us to maintain or change our focus in response to various demands or to apply various rules in various contexts.

Self-control: enables us to prioritise tasks and resist impulsive actions or responses.

Starting at a very young age, we learn these skills to conduct daily activities, from playing to socializing and learning. Executive function skills are used in almost every area of our daily life, but as we enter school, they become increasingly important.

Executive function skills develop as we age, as we continue to acquire more skills throughout our lives. According to the developmental model of executive functioning skills, which many psychologists and experts in child development support, everyone is born with some genetic propensity or natural capacity to develop behaviours related to executive functioning.

Some children may need more support than others to develop these skills. As children grow, they practice executive skill through social play. Parents and teachers can start giving children more responsibilities, depending on their age. Early on, assigning duties to kids can assist develop and exercise their executive functions. Adults can help children develop executive skills by establishing routines, modelling social behaviour, and establishing and maintaining supportive and reliable relationships.

We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life, therefore having trouble with executive function can make you to have difficulties in managing the daily activities. However, note that not all individuals develop executive functioning milestones in the same approach in their age. Some learners need more intense practice to build independence. Others may require targeted interventions. And a small group of unique learners such as children with autism or ADHD may need long-term strategies and support in these areas as they transition to adulthood.

Through learning opportunities and challenges, children develop skills such as organization, time management, emotional control, and other important executive behaviours. Parents often expect children to continue to use executive functioning skills independently. Children may still have confusion and pitfalls, but if they have mastered the fundamentals, they can live a holistic lifestyle. Parents shouldn't expect their children to be independent all the time and should make sure to be an assistance to them.

Executive function skills are enhanced through exposure. The more exposed your child is to handling various situations, the more abilities or skills they can develop and enhance. Learning through failure also creates opportunity, allowing children not only to discover what doesn't work, but to adapt their solutions for future attempts.

An example of executive function is planning—the ability to identify and manage future-focused tasks, set goals, and analyse the steps required to complete tasks in advance. Skills begin to develop in infancy and enable increasingly complex instructions through the early learning years.

Children between the ages of 6 and 18 learn skills such as working memory and impulse control. Through language and communication, young children discern their thoughts and actions, ponder, and plan. Improving language skills helps children understand rules and regulate behaviour—for example, walking down stairs instead of running.

Through time management, they understand how long tasks will take and budget time effectively. Task initiation involves how children initiate and independently generate new ideas, solve problems, and respond to tasks. Problem-solving skills develop through games such as Lego and jigsaw puzzles and tie in closely with attentional control and working memory.

To improve executive function skills in children, parents can start with

Physical games and challenges: Games teach concentration and that success may come through practice. Try throwing and catching, egg and spoon races, Red Light Green Light, Simon Says, or songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" that exercise attention, working memory, and self-control.

Conversations that involve lots of questions: Regular conversation supports language development and working memory as children recall experiences. Ask about feelings and daily activities to encourage openness.

Imaginary play: Pretend play such as restaurants and schools requires children to plan plots and cooperate. Let children take the initiative while adults ask supportive questions about what they are doing.

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