Why Executive Function doesn’t fix itself?

Hey, what’s up? This is Seth Perler, and I’m an executive function coach based out of Boulder, Colorado.

Here I am with the Flatirons behind me. I’m out hiking today, taking a break from working on the Executive Function Online Summit.

Today, I’m going to talk to parents about why executive function doesn’t fix itself.

I often use the phrase, “Executive function doesn’t fix itself.”

If your child struggles with getting homework turned in, following through on tasks, getting things done, self-starting, procrastination, motivation, or other challenges related to completing important responsibilities, then they may be struggling with executive function in some way.

When I say that executive function doesn’t fix itself, here’s what I often see happen.

Parents start the school year with their child, and the child says:

“Okay, Mom and Dad, I’ve turned over a new leaf. Everything is going to be different this year. I’ve got this. I’m going to be really responsible.”

For the next few weeks, parents ask questions like:

“Are you getting your homework done?”

“Yep, I’m on top of it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I promise. I’m on top of everything.”

“How are your test scores?”

“Awesome. I’m doing great. I’m studying hard. I’m organized.”

And so on.

Now, I’m not even saying the child is lying. In many cases, I think they’re telling the truth as they want to believe it.

But then something happens.

Six or eight weeks into the school year, the parents discover a bunch of D’s and F’s.

They think, “What in the world is going on?”

Then they sit down and lecture their child.

The child responds:

“Mom and Dad, get off my back. Leave me alone. I’ve got this.”

“I’m talking to my teacher tomorrow.”

“The grades just haven’t been updated yet.”

“I forgot to put my name on it.”

“I swear I turned it in.”

“I’m doing a test retake.”

“Everything is going to be fine.”

And often, everybody ends up believing this story.

The problem is that executive function doesn’t fix itself.

These kids need support.

They need to learn strategies and skills for managing these challenges. It doesn’t happen through osmosis. It doesn’t happen simply because they get older or because they promise to do better.

They need guidance, practice, and support.

I’ve been doing this work for a very long time, and one thing I’ve learned is that executive function challenges do not simply disappear on their own.

So how can you get support?

Fortunately, there are many resources available today.

My website is filled with information and tools for parents and students.

We also have the Executive Function Online Summit, a free summit for parents taking place August 23rd through 25th, 2019.

The summit features 23 experts who will go deeply into these issues and help you better understand how to support a child who struggles with executive function.

You can register for free at ExecutiveFunctionSummit.com. Just enter your email address, and we’ll send you everything you need to join the conference.

I really hope to see you there.

Sorry I’m talking so fast—I’m out on a hike and ready to get back to the car!

Again, I’m Seth Perler, an executive function coach based in Boulder, Colorado. I help struggling students navigate this thing called school.

Hope to see you soon.