Is it laziness–or Executive Dysfunction?
~A parent's reflective toolkit~
Is your teen constantly missing deadlines, avoiding tasks, or melting down over small changes? You're not alone—and it's not a motivation problem. This reflective toolkit will help you identify the signs of executive dysfunction, understand how these challenges are impacting your teen (and your family), and take the first steps toward meaningful support.
What you'll find inside:
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A research-informed checklist–Learn more about executive function skills and the role they play in your teen's academic, social, and emotional well-being.
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Guided reflection prompts–Identify your teen's specific executive function strengths and struggles and rate the extent to which they are impacting their confidence, success, and relationships.
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A simple worksheet– Reflect on what you’ve discovered and begin to map out what support might look like moving forward. This toolkit will give you insight and clarity; moving you from overwhelm to empowered.
Why this toolkit is helpful:
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Clarity over confusion – Pinpoint the specific executive function challenges your teen is facing so you can stop second-guessing and start understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.
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Insight into impact – Reflect on how these challenges are affecting your teen’s academic performance, emotional regulation, and day-to-day life—as well as how it’s showing up in your own parenting experience.
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A practical next step – Use the fillable worksheet to organize your thoughts, prioritize the most pressing needs, and prepare yourself for your next conversation—with your teen, a teacher, or a professional.