4 B2S Executive Function tips

Hey parents, what’s up?

If your student is about to start the school year—or is at the beginning of a new school year—and you want them to have a strong start, especially if they struggle with executive function, I’ve got four tips for you.

My name is Seth Perler. I’m an executive function coach based out of Boulder, Colorado. I help struggling students navigate this thing called education.

Today I’m going to give you four tips to help your child start the school year off right.

Tip #1: Help your child hit the ground running

If your student struggles with executive function, one of the most important things you can do is help them hit the ground running.

What you don’t want to do is wait until after the school year starts to get organized. You want to prepare as much as possible before school begins.

One key strategy is setting up what I call a “sacred study space.”

If your child studies on the couch, in bed, or on the floor—which are usually the worst places for focus—help them design a dedicated space where they can:

• Reduce distractions

• Improve focus and productivity

• Feel ownership over their environment

The key is that your child should help design this space so they have buy-in.

Another part of “hitting the ground running” is front-loading organization systems.

For example, with planners:

At the beginning of the year, fill in everything you already know:

• School holidays

• Vacations or travel

• Extracurricular activities

• Major events

The goal is that on day one, your child opens their planner and it already contains useful, meaningful structure.

They should already be familiar with it and have practiced using it.

You also want to prepare organizational systems in advance:

• Clearly labeled folders (with name and subject)

• Color-coded notebooks

• A backpack system that is organized and simple

• Labeled supplies (so lost items can be returned)

The goal is that on day one, your child walks into school already feeling somewhat organized and prepared—not overwhelmed by randomness.

Tip #2: Create and post a weekly plan

Your second tip is to create a weekly plan and post it on a wall somewhere.

Again, your child should have ownership in designing this schedule.

This is not about micromanaging every hour of the day. It’s about creating a clear, visual structure they can refer to.

For example:

• 6:30 AM – Wake up

• 7:00 AM – Go to school

• School hours

• 4:00 PM – Relaxation time

• 5:00 PM – Plan evening

• 6:00 PM – Dinner

• 7:00–8:30 PM – Homework focus time

Include extracurricular activities, downtime, and family time.

Friday evenings might be fully free for relaxation.

Sunday evenings can be used to reset everything—update planners, organize materials, and prepare for the week ahead.

The goal is to give your child a visible structure they can rely on, because students with executive function challenges often struggle to mentally organize time on their own.

Tip #3: Advocate early

If your child struggles in a subject—like math—don’t wait until they fail before getting support.

Get help early.

For example, hire a tutor at the beginning of the school year, even if things are not yet “bad.” Investing early support can prevent larger problems later.

You should also communicate proactively with teachers.

Send a short, clear email explaining:

• Your child’s main challenges

• Three ways teachers can help

• A tone of collaboration and appreciation

Keep it brief and bulleted. Teachers are very busy.

You can also resend the email later with a note like:

“I know you’re very busy, just resending in case this got buried.”

The goal is consistent, respectful communication—not pressure or overwhelm.

Tip #4: Prioritize relationships

The most important thing in your child’s life—and in all of our lives—is relationships.

It’s easy to get caught up in schoolwork, homework, and performance. But childhood is limited, and time at home is precious.

Make intentional time for connection:

• Plan fun weekends

• Schedule activities together

• Spend time laughing, talking, and connecting

• Create space where school is not the focus

Relationships are the foundation for everything else.

Final thoughts

Again, my name is Seth Perler, an executive function coach based out of Boulder, Colorado.

If you found this helpful, subscribe on YouTube and check out my weekly blog where I share free resources for parents every week.

Take care.