Contrary to popular opinion, executive function is not a deterministic outcome of our genetic blueprint, nor is it a guaranteed attribute of growing older.
It is a muscle, one that develops with consistent use and practice
Although the foundations of Executive Function lie in early childhood, the development and advancement of these skills continue through elementary school and well into adulthood. Learning to control impulses, pay attention, and retain information actively in one’s memory does not happen automatically as children mature, and young children who have problems with these skills will not necessarily outgrow them.
Children can be trained to strengthen their EF skills at every age group
This means that there is much that can be done to support a growing child’s executive function, both at the school level and at home. According to child development research, the effectiveness of training is highest while the brain is still developing, hence, it is best to start early.
As a parent to a 5 year-old, whose cognitive development is still in the early stages, I am cognizant of the active choices I can make to encourage her executive function skills.
- For parents: Encourage children to make decisions, plan their own schedules, and manage small responsibilities independently.
- For schools: Shift focus from fact recall to project-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous assessment.
Nature vs. Nurture: Is Executive Dysfunction Genetic?