Executive functions, collectively referred to as executive function, are all the mental skills that allow us to manage our thoughts, actions, and emotions. They play an important role in controlling behaviour and in overall learning. Read on to find out more about executive functions and how you can help your child develop these essential skills.
Before exploring ways to improve your child’s executive functions, it’s important to understand just what they are. The basic executive function skills include the following:
You can use play to help boost your child’s executive function skills even before they start kindergarten. Here are some great activities to try:
Executive function skills develop most rapidly between the ages of 3 and 5. Studies have also shown that children with better-developed executive functions do better in school and have fewer behavioural problems.
Writing : Marie-Ève Cloutier
Scientific review : Marie-Michèle Brossard, psychoéducatrice
Rewriting : Alloprof Parents' team