Why Your Teen Struggles with School: Understanding Executive Function vs. Executive Function Skills
- Catriona M
- Feb 17, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: May 19, 2025
Summary:
Executive function is the brain’s ability to manage and regulate thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Executive function skills are the specific tools needed to plan, organize, initiate, and follow through on tasks.
Struggles in school (and life) often stem from underdeveloped executive function or weak executive function skills.
Parents can help by modeling strategies, creating supportive environments, and encouraging skill development.
An executive function coach can provide personalized strategies to help teens develop the executive function skills they need to succeed and thrive.
Executive Function vs. Executive Function Skills: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered why your bright, capable teen struggles to start assignments, manage their time, or stay organized, the answer might lie in their executive function. But what exactly is executive function (EF), and how does it differ from executive function skills?
Understanding how executive function and executive function skills are similar and different can help you set up your teen for success in school and life.
Why Most Students Struggle in School
Executive function is an important brain function. It begins at birth and develops over time; reaching its potential when the brain matures as a young adult (around age 25). Executive function helps us conduct daily activities, from playing to socializing to learning. It becomes very important when children enter school.
Between the ages of 5 to 12, children take on more responsibilities at home and school. Adolescence brings new challenges. In addition to the changes teens experience physically and emotionally, there are greater cognitive demands in the curriculum and an expectation of increased independence by parents and teachers.
Teens need to learn how to manage their time effectively to complete assignments on time. They need to know how to pay attention and sustain it to learn new, more complex things. They need to stay organized enough to find the necessary materials, at the right time. They also need to regulate their emotions and impulse control.
Unfortunately, many teens, especially those with unique learning needs, have weak executive function and a limited toolbox of executive function skills. This affects academic performance, work productivity, and social interactions which leads to frustration, lack of motivation, and disengagement in learning. It can also lead to low self-esteem.
The good news is that despite challenges with executive function and underdeveloped executive function skills, there is a clear path forward. I’m going to explain these two abilities and how they work together to support success at school and at home.
Executive Function: The Brain’s Orchestra Conductor
Think of executive function as an orchestra conductor. A conductor helps all musicians work together by cueing them on how fast or slow to play, when to start, stop, or slow down, and how to follow the music. This allows the musicians to stay in sync so their performance sounds harmonious.
Executive function does something similar for our brain. Just like a conductor helps the orchestra play together, executive function is responsible for overseeing and managing different cognitive processes. It cues, coordinates, and directs individual executive function skills to work together. It helps with:
Self-regulation – Managing emotions and impulses in productive ways.
Cognitive flexibility – Adapting to new situations and shifting perspectives.
Working memory – Holding and using information in real-time.
Executive function helps us learn, make decisions, problem-solve, and complete daily tasks at the right time, pace, focus, and energy. Without it, staying on track and completing tasks smoothly and efficiently would be challenging.
When executive function is strong, teens can manage their emotions, shift between tasks, and keep track of important information. When it’s weak, they may become overwhelmed, easily frustrated, or struggle to adapt to changes.
For example, a teen with strong executive function might recognize they have a project due next week and immediately break it into smaller tasks. A teen with weak executive function might put it off until the last minute, then panic.
Executive function is an internal, self-driven process that isn’t visible in action. The prefrontal cortex, where many of these cognitive processes happen, doesn’t fully mature until the age of 25.
This means your teen’s executive function is still developing. It’s no wonder they struggle with remembering homework, school notices, or gym strip—or have challenges with self-control.
Executive Function Skills: The Tools for Success
Executive function skills are the practical applications of executive function. They are brain-based skills that work together to help us start, work on, and complete tasks; both in the present and in the future.
Executive Function Skills Include:
Organization - Keeping track of assignments, materials, and deadlines. Example: Arranging school supplies and digital files for easy access.
Prioritization - Knowing what needs to be done first and what can wait. Example: Completing a homework assignment due tomorrow before one due next week.
Task initiation - Starting tasks without procrastination. Example: Starting a book report right after receiving the assignment instead of waiting until the last minute.
Time management - Estimating how long tasks will take and planning accordingly. Example: Allocating 30 minutes to complete math homework before moving on to another subject.
Planning - Mapping out the steps needed to complete a task or goal. Example: Creating a weekly schedule to balance school demands with work or friends.
Sustained attention - Maintaining attention on a task despite distractions. Example: Completing an entire worksheet without getting distracted by phone notifications.
Self-Advocating – Recognizing when help is needed and asking for support. Example: Requesting extra time on a test or asking a teacher for clarification.
Unlike executive function, these skills are easy to see in action and can be taught.
How Weak Executive Function and Skills Impact School and Life
While executive function and executive function skills are strongly related, they are actually different abilities. We need both to problem-solve and carry out everyday tasks.
Struggles with executive function and executive function skills don’t just affect schoolwork—they impact everyday life.
In school, teens may forget homework, misjudge time, or struggle to start assignments.
At home, they might leave chores unfinished or lose important items.
In social settings, they could struggle with managing emotions or reading social cues.
Without these skills, even the most intelligent teens can feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or like they’re constantly falling behind.
How Parents Can Support Their Teen’s Executive Function Development
The good news? Executive function and executive function skills can be strengthened with practice and support. Here’s how you can help:
1. Model Strategies in Daily Life
Teens learn best by example. Demonstrate strategies like:
Breaking tasks into smaller steps.
Using calendars and reminders to stay organized.
Talking through decision-making processes out loud.
2. Create a Supportive Environment
Establish routines to reduce decision fatigue (e.g., a set time for homework).
Encourage organization with visual reminders (e.g., a whiteboard for deadlines).
Reduce distractions by creating a designated study space.
3. Encourage Self-Awareness and Reflection
Ask open-ended questions: “What strategy worked well for you today?”
Help your teen recognize patterns in their struggles and successes.
Support them in finding solutions rather than fixing problems for them.
4. Work with an Executive Function Coach
An executive function coach provides personalized guidance, helping teens:
Develop strategies tailored to their specific challenges.
Build independence and confidence in managing tasks.
Learn how to adjust strategies based on what works best for them.
Many teens benefit from working with a coach because they receive structured support that parents might struggle to provide consistently.
As new learning strategies and tools are introduced, teens receive substantial support from their coach. As they begin to experience small wins, their confidence builds. Over time, they become more willing to take risks and engage in more effortful tasks. As teens gain independence in applying these executive function skills, the amount of support is reduced accordingly.
Just like a conductor prepares the orchestra before a performance, an executive function coach works with individuals to build and refine their executive function skills. The coach enhances teen’s performance by introducing personalized strategies to help them reach their goals.
Why it Matters? Set Your Teen Up for Success
Executive function and executive function skills are the foundation of learning. They also impact how we interact socially and how we see ourselves. Teens with stronger executive function skills have better self-concept and better long-term academic, social, and vocational outcomes.
Understanding the difference between executive function and executive function skills is key to helping your teen navigate school and life with confidence.
By modeling strategies, creating a supportive environment, and seeking professional support when needed, parents can play a vital role in their teen’s success.
If your teen is struggling, consider reaching out to an executive function coach who can provide the tools and support needed to build these essential skills. With the right strategies and support, your teen can develop the skills necessary to thrive both now and in the future.
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