As your child gets older, they’re continuously developing and changing in every way, from physical appearance to personality. There are also many essential skills, such as Executive Function skills, that they can develop young and continue to improve as they get older. Executive Function skills are life management skills that help you plan, initiate, and achieve goals at home, in school, and in the workplace.
Executive Function skills play an important role in the behaviors, emotions, and successes of every child. But they also look different between age groups. By understanding how Executive Function skills develop with age, you’ll gain a better understanding of how your child is growing and recognize any challenges they may be facing.
It’s important to note that all Executive Function skills continue to strengthen as a child gets older. When a skill is mentioned for one age, it will continue to develop and improve throughout the following years, even if it’s not mentioned for every age.
Executive Function skills for babies (6 to 12 months)
Let’s start from the very first developmental stage. By the end of a child’s first year of life, they’re often able to sit up on their own, speak a few words, and do basic gestures, such as waving. There are also a couple of Executive Function skills that begin to develop at this young age:
- Emotional control — Babies are able to begin learning how to soothe themselves when they feel upset. This is often showcased when it comes to going to sleep.
- Working memory — Your child’s ability to remember something starts before they turn 1. They can showcase a basic working memory with actions like finding a hidden toy and recognizing people they see on a regular basis.
Executive Function skills for toddlers (1 to 3 years old)
After a child’s first birthday, they grow from being a baby to a toddler. The name for the age group comes from their newly developed walking ability: toddle. They can also do more advanced physical actions, such as jumping, running, and climbing stairs. Other developments include being able to talk in short sentences, introduce themselves, and figure out puzzles. They also show signs of a couple of important Executive Function skills, including:
- Problem-solving — Completing basic puzzles is common for toddlers, as they can start to gain flexible thinking, allowing them to learn how to solve problems. Cognitive flexibility also allows them to switch between tasks.
- Inhibition — When your child goes through the toddler stage, they can develop restraint or suppression. This allows them to wait for a reward or resist following through with certain negative behaviors based on the situation or environment due to expectations. For example, they can start to understand why they can’t fuss in a restaurant.
Executive Function skills for preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)
Once a child starts to attend preschool, leaps and bounds begin to occur in their development. By this stage, a child will likely have the social skills needed to form friendships, showcase creative skills, and comprehend stories being read to them. There are several Executive Function skills that a child is likely to develop during this stage, including:
- Self-monitoring — At this time, your child can start to gain independence and a sense of self. That means that they can start to understand the importance of taking care of themselves. They’re aware of their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Organization — Your preschooler can clean up after themselves, such as picking up toys and putting them away. They can manage and value their belongings, helping them see why it’s important to take care of them.
- Emotional regulation — The emotional growth of a child becomes prevalent in this stage. They have a better understanding of their feelings and how to control them in response to others.
Executive Function skills for elementary school students (6 to 12 years old)
Even though elementary school seems to cover quite a few ages, it’s how experts often define the significant time of childhood once they enter school. That’s why there are many Executive Function skills that children will develop during this time, including:
- Planning — At this age, children can understand the importance of prioritizing their responsibilities and using that information to plan. They’re learning how to manage their time and determine what’s required for certain tasks or projects.
- Initiation — Throughout this developmental stage, you’ll see how your child is able to take matters into their own hands without you having to remind them or instruct them to do so. For example, they can ask about a sport they want to play, which helps them adapt to changes in their current routine.
- Goal-setting — This stage of your child’s life is all about taking responsibility for what they need or want to accomplish. That’s why goal-setting plays such a pivotal role in elementary school. They can start to understand the importance of setting short- and long-term goals, as well as the steps required to reach them.
Beyond BookSmart can help improve the Executive Function skills of any age
Every child is different and moves at their own pace. While it’s OK for them to be a bit above or behind their Executive Function skills, it’s important to discuss their progress with your child’s pediatrician. We’re here if they need further guidance and support.
At Beyond BookSmart, we offer Executive Function coaching services to help students develop and improve the skills they need to create an effective and workable study routine.
Executive Function skills are coachable, trainable, and can be applied for success. Whether your child has a learning difference, an emotional challenge, such as anxiety, or they’re just struggling to reach their Executive Function potential, Beyond BookSmart services can help them see what they’re capable of.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.