What is Executive Functioning Activities about?
Executive Functioning Activities is a parent-guided workbook for helping children build executive functioning skills. It combines explanations for parents with games, activities, and worksheets that support skills like impulse control, working memory, emotional regulation, attention, planning, organization, and flexibility.
Who wrote Executive Functioning Activities?
Executive Functioning Activities was written by Melissa Rose, LPC-MHSP, NCC. She is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with children and families.
What problems does this book help with?
This book helps with common executive functioning struggles such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, distractibility, trouble starting tasks, poor planning, disorganization, and difficulty handling change. It is designed to help parents support children who struggle with these skills at home and at school.
Can this book help a child with ADHD or similar challenges?
Yes, the book discusses ADHD and other conditions that can affect executive functioning, including anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. It also says children do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from the activities.
What executive functioning skills does the book cover?
The book covers eight core areas: impulse control, working memory, emotional control, sustained attention and goal-oriented persistence, task initiation, planning and prioritization, organization, and flexibility. Each skill has its own chapter with activities and strategies.
Is this book a workbook or an activity book?
It is both a workbook and an activity book. It includes parent guidance, assessments, on-the-page exercises, and hands-on games and activities to do with your child.
How is the book organized?
The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 explains executive functioning and positive parenting techniques, and Part 2 provides games and activities organized by skill area and level of difficulty.
Are the activities beginner-friendly?
Yes, the activities are arranged from more basic to more advanced within each chapter. The book also suggests moving at your child's pace rather than following a strict order.
Do parents need to do the activities with their child?
Yes, this is mainly a parent-guided book. The book repeatedly describes the activities as things parents can do with their child and encourages giving your child attention, support, praise, and breaks as needed.
Can kids use this book on their own?
Usually not fully on their own. Some pages are fill-in-the-blank or simple enough to complete together, but the book is written for parents to guide the process and adjust activities to the child's needs.
What age is Executive Functioning Activities for?
The book says it is a tool for children ages 4 to 12 who struggle with executive skills. It specifically mentions preschoolers through school-age children.
Is this book good for a 5-year-old?
Yes, the book is intended for children ages 4 to 12, so a 5-year-old falls within the target range. The author notes that earlier, simpler activities may be more appropriate for younger children.
Is this book good for an 11- or 12-year-old?
Yes, the book is designed to support children up to age 12. It includes separate assessment guidance for ages 8 to 12 and more advanced activities in later chapters.
How much time do the activities take?
Most activities are short and practical. Many are designed to take about 5 to 15 minutes.
What materials do you need for this book?
The book says the main supplies are simple household materials such as crayons, a pencil, scissors, glue, and paper. Some activities also use common items like dice, balls, snacks, music, or toys you likely already have at home.
Does the book include assessments or ways to figure out what my child struggles with?
Yes, it includes assessment pages for ages 4 to 8 and ages 8 to 12. These are meant to help parents identify which executive functioning areas may be most challenging, but the book says they are not a substitute for an official diagnosis.
Does this book replace therapy or a formal diagnosis?
No, the book says it does not take the place of professional treatment or a formal assessment. It can offer support and CBT-based strategies, but the author recommends seeking help from a mental health professional when needed.
If I want practical activities instead of just theory, will this book help?
Yes, this book is strongly activity-based. After the introductory chapters, most of the book focuses on games, worksheets, and simple exercises parents can use to practice skills with their child.
