Blog - Seth Perler

Students, I know you hate planning, BUT…

Students, I know you hate planning, BUT... Please *click* below to share … [Read more...]

How to get teenager to be more receptive to the help her parents are trying to give her?

Please CLICK above to share. This video is based on the following parent email: “I subscribed to your blog last week. I found you in my efforts to find resources to help my 17-year old daughter. Based on what I have read, she is asynchronously developed, and has executive function challenges-deal with. She has been difficult and defiant since she was 15. She won’t take instructions from me and my husband. Can you provide some advice on how to get a teenager like her to recognize/accept she … [Read more...]

The questions students SHOULD be asking themselves

Please CLICK above to share. Students with executive function challenges benefit from being taught directly about strategies for school and life success then implementing them for a looong time. After many years of working with these kids, there are definitely a handful of ESSENTIAL questions they SHOULD be asking themselves on a daily basis in order to effectively track the systems they need to be maintaining. When students DON'T learn to ask these questions, things fall apart, they … [Read more...]

share with PRINCIPALS to make life easier for EVERYONE

Please **CLICK** above to share Parents & teachers, this one is for you to share with PRINCIPALS to make life easier for EVERYONE. The problem is that I am constantly trying to help kids figure out how to navigate the crazy complexity of the portals to see what they need to track. Sometimes there are multiple portals for one teacher, and when a student has 7 teachers, it's crazy to figure out who is posting what and when!!!! We need leadership to guide us into sanity. This video … [Read more...]

How We Prioritize Homework

Please CLICK above to share. For students who struggle with Executive Function, prioritization can be a nightmare and can cause them to waste a ton of time and energy trying to get things done. In this video I describe the important aspects of the problem and HOW I help students who are resistant to planning, learn how to get through that resistance and plan, AND prioritize how they will execute the plan in a sane and thoughtful way. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To … [Read more...]

Will your child even have a future

Please CLICK above to share. Here are two about Greta: Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are NOT all edited yet. This is a big process. If you notice anything wrong and want to help us, feel free … [Read more...]

Sensitive hearing? How to help?

Please CLICK above to share. Many students have "sensitive" hearing. They hear EVERYTHING, and it interferes with executive function. Do not underestimate the impact this can have on your child, even though it may be difficult to identify that they have this heightened sensitivity. Here I break down the problem a bit and give you a fantastic, inexpensive solution. This one is great for teachers as well. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the … [Read more...]

Spoke theory and patient persistence = win

Here is the summit link: https://executivefunctionsummit.com/ "So I thought I would give an update from yesterday and this is for the win! After my brief rant/post (which was self-care & self reg), I was able to regroup. I created a safe space for my son, who said, "I hate homework". I told him I was not going to get mad over homework anymore. I started with a 2 mins. timer and stuck to it. We were able to get 4 out of 5 pgs done over several short sessions. Then we were exhausted and … [Read more...]

2e Twice-Exceptional tips for b2s

What special considerations might parents consider during back to school time, for 2e or Twice Exceptional learners? Regardless of age, here are some of my general key thoughts. Oh, and I did leave out one important consideration in this video, reports! If there is paperwork that the teachers should know about, definitely consider how you can best to share the information. You might have info in neuropsych reports, IEP, 504, or RTI documentation, etc.. In this video I review 2e, discuss … [Read more...]

HOW to ask about school: “School’s fine, now stop bugging me”

Please CLICK above to share. Here's a sort of "micro-MASTERCLASS" for ya. In this video, I teach parents in-depth about the problems with asking our kids what they have for homework and specifically HOW to ask the right questions in order to get MEANINGFUL answers so you can help. Here's the PDF: SethPerlerPlanningquestionseachnight Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel … [Read more...]

Paper or digital CALENDAR better? Why?

Please CLICK above to share. Should your child use a digital or paper planner? Is this even the right question? Planners are SUPER important, yet we often have students who do NOT know how to use them effectively. Here I'll tell you EXACTLY what you "should" be asking in order to set your child up for success. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! … [Read more...]

3 school PLANNER myths and what to do instead

Please CLICK above to share. In this video, I'll explain 3 big myths about planners/calendars/agendas and how adults try to help students use them. Then I'll give you guidance on what really matters when choosing the right planner for a student who struggles with planning. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the … [Read more...]

An email template for end of college semester

Here's an email template I made for one of the college students I do executive function coaching with, who was taking a 9-week, online, summer class. We did this at week 6 when she told me she was concerned about her pattern of giving up at the last minute. I discussed it with her before I wrote it, then emailed it to her, then had her send it while we were on a call (for accountability). We worded it to give the teacher a bit of background and to ask an easy, open-ended and useful question that … [Read more...]

Is your child a “Grey Zone Kid”?

Please *click* above to share. Thanks, Seth Some students are in the "grey" zone and the school won't provide the needed support because of this. This often happens with 2e or twice-exceptional students. Here's a perfect example: "Hi Seth, I heard about you on the Tilt Parenting Podcast. My son is in 6th grade and having so much trouble with organization. He has ADHD and high anxiety and is highly sensitive to boot! But the school will not grant him a 504 because he is “too smart”. But … [Read more...]

4 B2S Executive Function tips

Please CLICK above to share. This vlog gives parents 4 concrete tips to help you help your child start the school year right. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are NOT all edited yet. This is a big process. … [Read more...]

How long will it take for my child to change?

Hi all. This vlog is based on the following email from a mom: "Hi Seth, I’ve recently found your website and have to say am thrilled to have done so. You totally GET these kids! I feel like I’m fighting an uphill battle against my child, the school, even my husband at times but hearing you speak gives me hope and motivation to keep going. I have a question for you (well, many questions actually, but let’s start with this one). How long can I expect to get these systems up and running that you … [Read more...]

Debbie Reber from the TILT podcast shares her wisdom

Please CLICK above to share. Today I'm excited to have my favorite podcaster, Debbie Reber of the TILT podcast, on a quick video sharing some of the wisdom she's learned from interviewing countless people who have dedicated their lives to helping differently wired kids. I have a ton of respect for how Debbie contributes to the world of education. If you're not subscribed to her updates, you can sign up here on her site. She is one of the very few that I follow consistently because she … [Read more...]

My #1 biggest advice to students

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Here's my #1 biggest advice for students. Please **CLICK** below to share. Thanks! Seth … [Read more...]

Tinnitus, Ear Buds & Students

If you like this, please click above to SHARE. Thanks, Seth This one is for students. I have tinnitus. In other words, my ears ring 24/7 and it's annoying. I wish I had taken better care of my ears when I was younger, so I made this video to tell my story and hopefully help you make more intentional choices about your ears. If you like this, please click below to SHARE. Thanks, Seth … [Read more...]

[podcast] Dr. Robyn Silverman

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Dr. Robyn Silverman had me on her podcast last week, and we had a great talk called "How to Help Kids Who Struggle with Executive Function Skills in School and in Life with Seth Perler." Here's some of what we covered: What is executive function? Why executive function is not something we are helping ALL kids to master How do we know executive function is an issue? What are the common mistakes key adults make in the lives of kids who … [Read more...]

“Well if I do it for you I’ll have to do it for everyone”

Please CLICK above to share. Sometimes adults say things to kids that are NOT true, and that causes students to feel worse. We need to remember WHY we are doing what we are doing. We are trying to serve kids, to help them on their path. And each child is different, do they all have different needs. Humans are not "standardized" and the more we work to meet the unique needs of individual kids, the more we empower them to shine. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To … [Read more...]

read. (for students)

Please CLICK above to share. We live in a distracted world, and reading is becoming a lost art. But it's crazy powerful. Seriously students, READ. Books change lives. Don't leave the gift under the tree. Fall in love with reading again. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently … [Read more...]

Teachers who should NOT teach?!

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Have you ever thought to yourself, "some teachers don't belong in the classroom."? Well, this vlog explores this issue Please **CLICK** below to share. Thanks! Seth … [Read more...]

Parents, don’t get BLINDSIDED by grades after school ends

This vlog is for parents who: Are concerned about how quickly the school year is approaching, and Want to make sure they know what their child needs to do before school ends but, Aren't convinced their child will reliably convey accurate details about what needs to be done. Below is the template. Feel free to copy and personalize for your situation. Hope this helps you help your child end the year on a better note. — Seth Perler TEMPLATE: Subject: IMPORTANT - Child's … [Read more...]

How to chunk work at the end of a semester

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Here I discuss how I help my students chunk or batch work at the end of a semester. Please **CLICK** below to share. Thanks! Seth … [Read more...]

What is Executive Function? (a quick version)

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth Here's a very brief introduction to Executive Function designed to help parents and teachers get a quick vibe for some key concepts. Please **CLICK** below to share. Thanks! Seth … [Read more...]

Spring Fever – the wheels are coming OFF!

Please CLICK above to share. Parents, what do you do when it's SPRING FEVER time, the wheels are coming off, grades are suffering, and motivation goes down with the nice weather and the end of the school year? Spring Fever can overwhelm students as they deal with makeup work, current work, end of semester projects AND less motivation because it's spring. Don't give up! In this video with Debbie Steinberg-Kuntz from the Bright and Quirky summit, we dive deep into 4 big steps that will … [Read more...]

What is NEURODIVERSITY?

Please CLICK above to share. What is Neurodiversity? (below are quick notes that go with the video above) WHY it's such an important term, shine, quality of life Neurodiverse, Neurotypical, neuroatypical, neurologically diverse brains, thinking, learning, experiences, values Invisible is a problem, causes shame, misunderstanding, Iceberg theory, layers of the onion, more to it It’s not bad, it’s just different Standardization, Sameness: Same age, grade levels, same chapter, … [Read more...]

Students Who Lose Stuff

This vlog is based on this email: First, you are the best! Love all the help you provide EF-challenged kids! Question on your simple schoolwork system: How do you tell high school kids to manage carrying all of these separate folders/comp books? Most times they can't go to locker til lunch and may have 3-4 classes to prepare for -- that's kind of why the zipped 3-ring binder is helpful -- but the ONLY reason! :) Most schools these days do not let kids carry around their backpacks (safety … [Read more...]

Math Disability Dyscalculia? What you need to know.

Please CLICK above to share. Parents and teachers, in this vlog I interview two math specialists about Dyscalculia, the "dyslexia of math". If your child struggles with math, you'll want to check this out to see if it resonates. Today, two math nerds join me to talk about Dyscalculia looks like and why Math is so hard for your kiddo. You’ll hear from Adrianne Meldrum, a certified teacher who’s invested her time and money into learning multisensory math and Kara Scanlon who is an … [Read more...]

Should we SWITCH to a new school?

Please **CLICK** above to share. Thanks! Seth My brother is thinking about sending his kiddo to a new school next year. Here are the things I find myself repeatedly saying to families who are considering changing schools and asking my 7 thoughts: Refocus on the right things: big picture, the purpose of education, what you want your child to get from education Doesn’t matter public, private, Montessori, homeschool, unschool, what matters is if the school effectively meeting this … [Read more...]

How to POSITIVELY push your child

Please CLICK above to share. Parents and Teachers, It's INCREDIBLY difficult to help a student who resists everything. They resist parental help, doing homework, focusing, organizing their stuff, using planners, being forthcoming, asking for help from teachers, etc.. In this vlog, I discuss a key concept/philosophy that guides how I am able to support these students effectively. I teach you how to work in the right "grey areas." I hope you can adapt it to your … [Read more...]

Students, $$$. oops, we forgot to teach you about money

Please *CLICK* above to share. Thanks, Seth Students, we teach you all sorts of math, but we do NOT teach you financial literacy. This is not good, but it's the way it is right now, so here are some thoughts that might help you. Your goal = financial independence 11 tips: Use autopay to avoid late fees. Pay in full to avoid interest. Buy your own stuff, pay your bills Learn to save for goals Open bank account, learn to use it well Use cash Don’t spend beyond your … [Read more...]

Dear Principals… Please do this

Please CLICK above to share. Dear Principals, I don't usually address principals directly in my blog, but today I am. There is a MASSIVE problem for parents students, that causes consistent frustration and confusion, and as a leader, you can do something about it. The problem: Lack of clarity regarding expectations: accessing the right online information is overwhelming, frustrating and confusing for families. Multiple sites to navigate Unclear about expectations with … [Read more...]

Quizlet? Really!?

If you like my work, Please *CLICK* above to share. Thanks! -Seth Parents, teachers & students: I've worked with a lot of students who use quizlet or other online flashcard programs. The result? It seems like you're doing something but it's an incredibly ineffective way to learn. Here I teach why and what students can do instead. If you like my work, Please *CLICK* below to share. Thanks! -Seth … [Read more...]

KAIZEN & Kids with Debbie Steinberg Kuntz

If you like my work, Please *CLICK* above to share. Thanks! -Seth Here I discuss Kaizen, the Japanese art of improvement and how it relates to kids with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Debbie Steinberg Kuntz. As professionals, we both realize the power of tiny steps in helping kids. We discuss how parents and teachers can apply this concept and dive into how we use it professionally. Also, Debbie runs the Free Bright & Quirky Child Online Summit starting TOMORROW January 28, … [Read more...]

Students, HOW to start this semester?

Please CLICK above to share. Video #1 is for STUDENTS: DOWNLOAD: Here's the SethPerlerSchoolSystemsSelf-Assessment PDF to print Video #2 is for PARENTS: Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you — Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are … [Read more...]

How early parents should look for 2e?

Please CLICK above to share. Hey all - I'm a bit sick here, but here's the topic from another email I received: Hi Seth! I’ll keep my two questions short.... 1. My child is 7 and in first grade. What is a good age to determine that a child is 2e? 2. Why do you recommend a neuropsych instead of a clinical psychologist for evaluations? I tried to make an appointment with a neuropsych based off your video, but they said they only see children with brain injuries. Thank you so much! -Mom … [Read more...]

Happy 2019, a message from me

Please CLICK above to share. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you -Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently uploading hundreds of transcripts so you can read them asap, but they are NOT all edited yet. This is a big process. If you notice anything wrong and want to help us, feel free to click this Google Form to share it. … [Read more...]

Hidden Influences: Iceberg Theory. Can’t or won’t?

If this helps you, please *CLICK* above to share. Thanks, Seth About: For this post, I asked you for your ideas on a topic and curated them below. I did this because one of the biggest challenges faced by the students I work with is that they are often misunderstood, and when adults respond based on a misunderstanding, it often makes things worse and creates a lot of shame. Therefore, when we have a better understanding of our children, we can support them better. See my Can't or Won't … [Read more...]

How students “should” REFLECT after semester is over?

Please CLICK above to share. What to do AFTER the semester ends? What? Reflect - Introspection, become mindful of past semester, raise consciousness, self-awareness. Learning to reflect is a crucial executive function skill that must be developed. Why? Build the executive function skill of self-reflection in order to look at what went well that we should continue to do, and what we want to do differently to be more successful. When? Within a couple of days after semester is over How … [Read more...]

How to choose a NEUROPSYCH?

Please CLICK above to share. In this video, I discuss what I believe to be the #1 most important factor when choosing a neuropsychologist. Neuropsychs are people who test children with a wide net to help figure out exactly what's going on. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. Click here to visit my official YouTube Channel & subscribe if you want! Thank you -Seth Reading the transcript? Great! We're currently … [Read more...]

FOR STUDENTS: Hail Mary – End of the semester STRATEGIES

I made this one ESPECIALLY for middle, high school and college students to BECAUSE this is the time of the semester when things can completely f a l l a p a r t !!!!!!!!!!! Parents, you'll want to view it first and then share it with your child if you think they'll like it. We cover these 10 tips: clarity, portal plan PEPR honesty advocacy accountability don't motivate baby steps persistence more persistence AND, we need you to develop your best … [Read more...]

Education On Fire

If you like this, please **CLICK ABOVE TO SHARE** Here's a new 45 min. podcast I did with Mark Taylor out of London. It was a ton of fun and you might get a lot out of it. He asked me the following: Who are you? What does your life look like now and how is it different from when you were growing up? What was valuable about your school experience? Which teachers do you remember and why? Who did you admire when you were young? What was it about that person that had … [Read more...]

Homeschool & Executive Function

I don't talk about homeschooling often, but I think about it a lot and have a lot of blog followers who homeschool, so I've definitely got ideas for you. I recently received a great question from a homeschool mom: "I just want to request that you more fully address a topic that I have not found on your site. Could you please address homeschooling? In homeschooling, it seems, executive functioning skills such as organization of papers, deadlines, turning in homework, etc are far less of a … [Read more...]

HOW to handle work over THANKSGIVING break

ps- If you liked this, please click above to SHARE and be sure to subscribe to my blog! There are some VERy predictable problems associated with Thanksgiving Break. This video goes into it in a few steps: 1. Understand the problem: What is PEPR? Understand that many students are inaccurate and unrealistic with knowing what needs to be done. Ineffective strategies to do what needs to be done. 2. Do not take your child's information at face value. Get clarity through the portal and … [Read more...]

Student CAN’T or WON’T ???

Please CLICK above to share. This vlog is based on a recent email: ...He is now twelve, in 6th grade. Because he will be going to secondary school next year the sped teachers are hugely focused on executive function. Where it breaks down is their approach which assumes competencies he doesn’t yet have. And he (mostly respectfully) pushes back. The sped teacher says they are open to suggestions and I’ve shared your toolkit. Thanks for what you do. Love my work and want to give? … [Read more...]

What is an “AT RISK” student?

Please CLICK above to share.This vlog is based on a recent email I received: Thank you Seth for your support. I joined in hopes to find and read ideas you have for helping at risk students. Almost 25% of the students in our Freshman class are at risk, unintentional learners and unmotivated. — High School Instructional Technology Coach This post explores what at-risk means and how to help. Love my work and want to give? Click here! To support me, please CLICK at the bottom to share. … [Read more...]

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