Do You Know These 7 Executive Functions?

Let's dive into the intricate workings of the teenage brain today. Executive functions are essentially the command and control systems of our brain. They’re not about intelligence, but rather about how we execute daily tasks.

Meet Dr. Russell Barkley, a pillar in ADHD research, with almost half a century dedicated to understanding the disorder. With a heart brimming with respect for his work, I bring forth the seven areas of executive functioning he meticulously identified:

1. Self-awareness: Recognizing one's strengths, weaknesses, and understanding how our actions can affect others.
2. Inhibition: The ability to control impulses and resist distractions.
3. Verbal Working Memory: The ever-present voice in our head that guides our actions, decisions, and thoughts.
4. Non-verbal Working Memory: The ability to visualize, hold, and manipulate images in our mind, like mentally rearranging your room.
5. Emotional Regulation: The capacity to manage emotions effectively, especially when provoked.
6. Motivation: The drive that pushes us to start, stay on, and finish tasks.
7. Planning and Problem Solving: The ability to anticipate, plan, and work through obstacles.

Do you sometimes watch your child's behavior and wonder which of these executive functions might be in play? Let's make this easier with some real-life examples:

• Junior waits till the last moment for his essay. This is Motivation.

• He unexpectedly retorts in class with, "Are you sure you went to college?" Classic Inhibition.

• Despite living in the same town forever, Junior gets lost driving home from school. Here, it's Visual Working Memory.

• Junior starts painting the walls before laying out the carpenter's tape. That's Planning and Problem Solving.

• "Mom, I fed the dog, but forgot the other chores." Ah, Verbal Working Memory.

• Puzzled, Junior says, "I have no clue why I’m getting a D in algebra." Likely, Self-awareness.

• After a soccer game, Junior doesn't high-five the players and walks off. This is indicative of Emotional Regulation.

Why is recognizing these functions in real-life situations crucial? Because by understanding the underlying executive function, we can respond with greater empathy, patience, and knowledge.

Parents, the real challenge begins at home. Each day, try to identify these functions in your teen's behavior. This small exercise will empower you, foster understanding, and nurture your relationship with your teen.

You don't have to become a master of these executive functions overnight. My aim is to put these valuable insights at your fingertips so you can revisit them when needed.

Remember, you're never alone in this journey. Together, let's aim for all A's in every parenting endeavor.

Until our paths cross again, adios! 💙