Raising Smarties
able to compensate for executive function deficits until the difficulty and workload increases at which point they may need help.
HOW TO HELP
Whether on your own or with the help of a therapist or coach, parents should first identify what they need to work on, identify appropriate behaviors, then make a plan complete with helpful materials and ways to keep schedules on track, according to Jill Saxon, Ph.D, behavior analyst and owner of Functional Behavior Solutions in Westfield and Montclair. Problem solving and flexibility are a must as kids move towards their goals. “The piece that I think is the most important for families to know is that executive functioning skills can be taught,” says Saxon. “The second most important piece is that we know from behavioral science that growth comes from repeated success. So, our job as adults who support children is to identify where the challenges lie, and then give them the support needed to repeatedly practice doing it correctly. We make sure they experience success, make sure their successful practice results in something awesome for them, and then slowly reduce any supports we are able to reduce while maintaining this success.” —Jennifer Kantor is an education, parenting and lifestyle writer and a Maplewood mom of two.
DIANE SOTTILE, PH.D Create a weekly written action list. This should not only include what homework needs to be completed, but also the 3 Ws and 1 H: “What are you going to do, and in what order? Where are you going to do it? When are you going to do it? How will you get yourself started?” Time their tasks. Use a clock, stopwatch or other time-tracking tool to determine how long schoolwork takes to complete—it’s key to creating time awareness (the first step towards time management.) “Kids need to be able to develop their ability to assess how long a task or assignment will take. Give kids a heads up. Do this before starting a task or leaving home. Even better, try using a visual timer to count down the minutes. “If you say, ‘we are leaving for school in 10 minutes,’ your child may have no idea how long 10 minutes actually is.”
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JILL SAXON, PH.D Don’t go it alone. Teachers and other school staff can help identify specific areas of challenge (organization of school materials, following a schedule, sustaining attention in class, etc.) and can provide supports and practice opportunities to help your child improve executive function skills. Show don’t tell. Merely pointing out what should or shouldn’t have been done may not be enough for kids with skills deficits. “It is the supported practice that results in success that teaches the new skill.” Divide and conquer. Break complicated tasks (like packing a backpack for school) into micro-steps, then encourage the use of visual aids (such as schedules and checklists) and self-monitoring (try repeated self check-ins) to keep kids focused.
ALEXANDER WRIGHT, PSY.D Be mindful and listen. Instead of getting riled up when faced with challenges, try to meet the situation with calm, non-judgement and understanding. Practice mindfulness and deep listening as a way to ease the anxiety and stress that worsens executive function issues. Differences can be superpowers. Ease up on the sweets. As part of a holistic approach, cut back on sugar. “It’s a stimulant. There’s a dopamine response that fuels chaos along with cortisol” which is why parents should consciously reduce sugar in their kids’ diets. Put your family on a tech diet. The stimulating effect of technology is catnip to kids with attention issues, as it can have a curiously calming effect. “The disorganized mind finds comfort in the chaos.” Yet it’s also addictive, making the mind even more scattered. Reducing screen time will enhance patience, ease stress, and help kids’ brains focus.
NJFAMILY.COM | DECEMBER 2021
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Need a little help at home? Try this expert advice: