Tools That Actually Help With Executive Functioning
- Dara Pfeiffer
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
If your kid is bright, curious, and capable—but can’t seem to get their backpack zipped, turn in homework, or start a task without a full dramatic monologue—you’re not alone. These are executive functioning challenges: the skills that help us plan, organize, manage time, and get stuff done.
At PsychEducational, I work with plenty of students who are disorganized. The goal isn’t to “fix” them—it’s to build tools and habits that support the way their brains actually work. Below are a few resources I genuinely like, because they blend practicality with compassion (and don’t require a PhD in psychology to use).
Note: some links may be affiliate links. I only share what I use or recommend in real life.
🧠 For Parents Who Want to Understand (and Stop Nagging)
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare. Still the go-to classic. Helps you figure out which skills are lagging and what to do about them, without shame or blame.
The Explosive Child by Ross Greene. Not just for meltdowns—great for reframing behavior as lagging skills, not defiance.
🕹 For Building Skills (Without Killing Motivation)
Fluxx an ever-changing card game. Build flexible thinking, impulse control, and planning—critical for EF growth.
Match These Bones A memory game especially for the dinosaur lover!
🧩 For Teens and Young Adults
Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life for Teens by Steven Hayes. ACT-based workbook that helps with flexibility and follow-through.
Smart but Scattered for Teens A direct follow-up to the original, but more self-guided.
💬 Final Thought
Executive functioning isn’t about “working harder.” It’s about finding the right systems for how your brain naturally organizes (or doesn’t). These tools won’t fix everything—but they give you and your kid somewhere to start that’s structured and doable.
If you’re not sure whether what’s going on is “normal disorganization” or something deeper, that’s where assessment comes in. Sometimes, a well-done evaluation saves years of trial and error.
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