Helping Boys with Executive Function Challenges

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You might not even realize you have a boy with executive function challenges.

Instead, you (or others) might think he’s “disorganized,” “lazy,” “resistant,” or “unmotivated.”

Seth Perler was one of those boys. Now, he’s an executive function coach who helps other kids develop the skills they need to thrive. Seth is also the founder of The Online Executive Function Summit (TEFOS). TEFOS 2022 is August 5-7 — and it’s FREE! You can use this link to take advantage of the TEFOS 2022 Early Bird Special, which will give you lifetime access to each of the expert-led sources.

This year’s TEFOS includes sessions led by previous ON BOYS’ guests Tosha Schore, ADHD Dude Ryan Wexelblatt, and Debbie Reber, as well as dozens of other mental health professionals, authors, and neuroscience specialists.

Of course, an August summit won’t help you today, so we’re re-running a previous conversation with Seth Perler, who reminds us that

“If you want to help a kid who is struggling with homework, grades, procrastination, under acheivement, time management, and motivation, you have to understand ONE thing – and one thing only – and that’s EXECUTIVE FUNCTION.”

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Seth discuss:

What is executive function?
Why boys with executive function challenges don’t struggle with Legos, video games or other activities they enjoy
Why punishments & rewards aren’t effective motivation strategies
Establishing reasonable expectations
Helping kids who are behind (on turning in assignments, etc) “catch up”
When (& how) to reach out to your son’s teacher
How to deal with resistance
Why it’s OK for your son to aim for a D (vs. a B)
Exploring other educational options