BrainFit 

Executive functions are vital mental skills essential for planning, focusing attention, following instructions, and managing multiple tasks effectively.

These skills begin developing in very early childhood and evolve through adolescence, playing a pivotal role in a child's behavioral and cognitive growth.

Strong executive functioning is key to fostering self-control, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and facilitating decision-making in children.

Children are not born with these skills, only the potential to develop them. Cultivating these skills can significantly improve their behavioral responses, leading to better emotional regulation and social interactions.

Impulse control issues

They have difficulty waiting their turn, controlling their emotions, or resisting the urge to interrupt others.

Out of control behavior

They have difficulty assessing their own performance, recognizing when they make mistakes, and managing their emotions.

Inability to focus attention

They have difficulty sustaining attention. They struggle to shift attention from one task to the next and regulating alertness throughout the day. 

Difficulty following instructions

They struggle to remember or follow multi-step directions, often requiring repetition or reminders.

Rigid and stubborn

They have a tendency to be inflexible, stubborn, and reluctant to adapt to the thoughts and ideas of others. Rigidity is also known as cognitive inflexibility. These children struggle to compromise, they want it their way.

Disorganized

They struggle to keep track of their belongings, manage their schoolwork, or maintain a clean and orderly space.

Trouble with self-awareness

They struggle to recognize their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and tendencies. Unable to perceive their personal strengths and weaknesses, identify emotions, or predict the consequences of actions.

Persistent procrastination

They have trouble estimating how long tasks will take, prioritizing tasks, or completing assignments on time. This leads to overwhelm and procrastination.

Module 1

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognize one's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and tendencies. It involves understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, identifying emotions, and predicting the consequences of actions.

Module 2

Attention & Focus

Attention is the cognitive process that allows us to concentrate on specific stimuli or tasks while ignoring others, a process commonly referred to as selective attention. Focus, while often used interchangeably with attention, can be considered as sustaining attention over time or maintaining attention on a task despite distractions.

Module 3

Task Initiation

Task initiation is the ability to begin a task or activity independently and without unnecessary procrastination. This is not to be confused with motivation - a child can be motivated and still struggle with task initiation. In this sense, task initiation is the opposite of procrastination.

Module 4

Response Inhibition

Response inhibition refers to the ability to suppress impulsive behaviors, delay responses, and to stop oneself from performing an undesired action. It's essentially the cognitive equivalent of "think before you act." The development of response inhibition is vital as it impacts a child's behavioral control, decision-making, and emotional regulation

Module 5

Working Memory

Working memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. It's like mental "juggling," where the child retains necessary details while solving a problem or performing a task. Working memory is crucial in various cognitive tasks, including reading, problem-solving, and math. It also plays a role in attention control, helping children concentrate despite distractions.

Module 6

Flexibility & Adaptability

Cognitive flexibility refers to the brain's ability to transition thoughts between multiple concepts or perspectives. This skill allows children to adapt their thinking or strategy in response to changes or new information. Adaptability, closely linked to cognitive flexibility, involves adjusting to new conditions or changes in the environment effectively.

Module 7

Time Management

Effective time management helps children to accomplish tasks in a timely manner, reduces stress related to rushing or cramming, and is vital for long-term projects and assignments.

Module 8

Organization

Organization refers to the ability to develop and maintain systems to keep track of information or materials. This skill is crucial in areas such as following instructions, writing an essay, managing belongings, or even keeping track of homework assignments. Good organization skills aid in efficiently managing tasks and reducing unnecessary stress related to misplaced items or forgotten responsibilities.

Module 9

Planning

Well-developed planning skills can lead to better academic performance and more efficient problem-solving abilities. They also foster self-confidence as the child learns to break down complex tasks into manageable steps and achieve set goals.

Module 10

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline, or inhibitory control, is an executive function that refers to our capacity to control our thoughts, actions, and emotions, even in the face of temptation or distraction. This skill is foundational to a variety of life aspects, from academic performance to social relationships and emotional health.

Module 11

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is often considered a hallmark of executive functioning. Well-developed self-regulation skills can lead to better social relationships, improved academic performance, and positive mental health outcomes. They enable children to cope with frustration, delay gratification, and follow rules and instructions.

Module 12

Task Completion

Being able to complete tasks efficiently is linked to improved academic performance, better time management skills, and increased self-confidence. It also lays the groundwork for developing resilience, as children learn to overcome challenges and manage setbacks.

✔️ Suitable for all ages 1-19 years old.

✔️ Easy to follow activities that get results.

✔️ Receive ongoing support from myself and my wonderful parenting community to maximize your success.