Executive Function: It's Kind of a Big Deal
- Emily Webb
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Why Executive Functioning Skills Matter More Than Ever
One of the biggest reasons I started AdaptAble Pathways was because I kept seeing the same challenge over and over again. Students weren't struggling because they weren't intelligent—they were struggling because they lacked the executive functioning skills needed to be successful in everyday life.
So, what are executive functioning skills?
Executive functioning is a group of mental skills that help us plan, organize, manage our time, control our emotions, solve problems, stay focused, and complete tasks. These are the skills we use every single day—from remembering to turn in homework to managing a busy schedule, resolving conflicts with friends, and making thoughtful decisions.
My son has a simple way of explaining it. He says:
"Having good executive functioning skills means you're good at life."
While that may sound funny, there's a lot of truth behind it.
Today's children are growing up in a very different world than previous generations. Families are busier than ever, schedules are packed, and technology is part of almost every aspect of daily life. These changes have created incredible opportunities, but they have also changed how children develop important life skills.
Many of the things adults think of as "common sense" aren't automatically learned anymore. Skills like organizing a backpack, managing time, planning ahead, solving problems, or knowing how to prioritize tasks often need to be taught directly.
That's where executive functioning coaching can make a tremendous difference.
When I work with students, I don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Every learner has different strengths and different areas where they need support. I tailor each lesson to meet students where they are, identify the skills they need most, and break those skills into manageable steps they can practice and apply in real life.
As students begin to master these skills, something amazing happens. They become more confident. They experience less stress. They begin solving problems independently. School becomes more manageable, relationships improve, and they start believing in their own abilities.
I recently heard a quote from Maye Musk, Elon Musk's mother, that really resonated with me:
"At 3, I knew he was a genius, but you still don't know if he's going to do great things—because many geniuses end up in a basement being a genius but not applying it."
Intelligence alone isn't enough. Even incredibly bright people need the skills to organize their thoughts, manage responsibilities, follow through on goals, and adapt when life doesn't go as planned.
Executive functioning is what helps people turn their potential into action.
That's exactly why I created my Executive Functioning Curriculum.
The curriculum was designed to teach these essential life skills in a clear, structured, and practical way. Each lesson focuses on one important skill and gives students opportunities to learn, practice, and apply what they've learned. Topics include:
Why We Make Plans
Prioritizing Tasks
Breaking Big Tasks into Smaller Steps
Planning for Changes
Organization Skills
Using Checklists
Working with Others
Conflict Resolution
Body Language
Making Good Choices
Digital Citizenship
Appropriate Conversations
Friendship Skills
Problem Solving
AND MORE!
These aren't just school skills—they're life skills.
Whether I'm coaching students one-on-one through AdaptAble Pathways or creating resources for educators and families, my goal is always the same: to help students build the confidence and independence they need to reach their full potential.
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
