man sitting and leaning near bookshelf while reading book

Executive function skills are important for everyone, but they can be particularly helpful for college students. If your child is struggling in school, executive function skills could be the key to helping them succeed. Here are three ways that executive function skills can help your college student:

1. Organization

One of the most important things for college students is to keep track of their assignments and deadlines. However, this can be difficult for students who don’t have strong organizational skills. If your child is having trouble keeping track of their assignments, teaching them some basic organization skills can be extremely helpful. Teaching them how to use a planner or calendar can help them keep track of their upcoming deadlines and make sure they are prepared for their exams.

2. Time Management

Another important skill for college students is time management. Being able to manage their time effectively will allow them to get their work done in a timely manner and avoid last-minute cramming before exams. One way to help your child with time management is to teach them how to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This will help them avoid feeling overwhelmed by their workload and will allow them to focus better on each individual task.

3. Stress Management

Stress management is also an important skill for college students. Learning how to manage stress can help reduce anxiety and improve performance in school. One way to help your child manage stress is by teaching them how to identify their triggers and find healthy coping mechanisms. For example, if your child gets stressed out by studying in their dorm room, you could suggest that they study in the library instead. If your child knows how to identify and cope with their stressors, they will be less likely to feel overwhelmed during finals week or other high-stress periods throughout the semester. 

If your college student is struggling in school, executive function skills could be the answer. These skills can help with everything from organization and time management to stress management. Teaching your child these skills now can set them up for success in college and beyond!