Written by Lea Tanner, Provisional Psychologist / Associate Play Therapist, CoRe Kids Therapy
While executive functioning involves several processes in the brain, there are three core components: cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and working memory. These three processes play critical roles in everyday life. A child’s executive functioning skill level can vary depending on factors including stage of development, environmental influences, neurodivergence, genetics, and several other factors. Challenges in executive functioning can impact an individual’s ability to adapt to daily life; some children may require extra support in some areas of executive functioning. Just as muscles can grow if it is worked, we can use various strategies and games to help children strengthen their executive functioning skills.
This article focuses on how to develop one of these core components.
Inhibition
This involves controlling impulses, ignoring distractions, and inhibiting some automatic responses. It’s essential for staying focused, resisting temptations, and engaging in prosocial behaviour in various situations. You can help children develop critical skills in inhibition and self-control using some of the following ways:
- Impulse Control Games: Play games that require children to listen carefully and regulate their impulses to follow instructions. You could play games like Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, or Bobs and Statues. Additionally, board games that require turn-taking can Encourage children to practice patience and take turns without interrupting.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed and impulsively abandoning tasks. By focusing on one step at a time, individuals can maintain better control over their actions and resist the urge to give in to distractions or impulses.
- Visual Timers: Use visual timers or countdowns to help children understand the concept of effectively waiting and managing their time. This can be especially helpful for activities that require patience, such as waiting in line or taking turns.
- Child-Friendly Mindfulness Activities: Practicing mindfulness exercises with your child can help them learn to regulate their emotions and calm themselves down when feeling impulsive or overwhelmed. Mindfulness techniques aim to develop awareness of thoughts and emotions, which can strengthen inhibitory control over time.
- Story Time Talks: Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions after reading a story together. Encourage your child to think about why the characters made choices and what other options they might have had. This helps them develop impulse control by considering possible outcomes associated with actions.
- Practice Delayed Gratification: Engaging in activities that require delayed gratification, such as setting long-term goals and working steadily toward them, can help strengthen inhibition over time. This can involve delaying rewards, resisting immediate temptations, and tolerating discomfort in pursuing larger goals.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, including inhibition. Engaging in regular exercise can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall cognitive control, including the ability to inhibit impulses.
- Sleep Hygiene: Adequate sleep, including inhibition, is essential for optimal mental functioning. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and practising good sleep hygiene habits can support mental processes related to inhibition, such as attention and impulse control.
- Role Model Behaviour: Be a positive role model for your child by demonstrating patience, self-control, and problem-solving skills in your interactions. Children often learn by observing and imitating the behaviour of adults around them.
- Praise Efforts: Encourage and praise your child’s efforts in practising self-control and inhibiting impulses. Focus on specific behaviours they exhibit, such as waiting patiently or thinking before acting, to reinforce positive habits.
The information provided in this blog should be used for education and informational purposes only. It should not replace the therapy or the therapeutic relationship. If you require parenting or mental health support for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at CoRe Kids Therapy.