If you’re a parent of a teen who can’t seem to manage time, stay organized, or keep track of school tasks, you’re not alone. Executive function—the ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and follow through—is essential for academic success, and it can be challenging for teens and young adults.
According to Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, strong executive function skills are a bigger predictor of success than IQ. Teens with solid executive function skills are more likely to thrive, while those who struggle often have a tougher time managing school and life demands.
When teens don’t build these skills, whether it’s because they’re resistant to the whole “time management” idea or because they have learning and attention challenges, they are more likely to struggle in the transition to college and workplaces, too. Here are tools that successful educators use, adapted for the homefront.
Keep It Simple and Clear
Teens often feel overwhelmed when instructions are vague or when there’s too much information at once. Research shows that well-organized and visually clear materials help students absorb information better. For teachers, this means organized handouts and concise lectures. At home, you can help by breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if your teen has a project, work with them to set mini-deadlines and prioritize the most important steps.
Create a Focus-Friendly Study Space
A calm, clutter-free space can make a huge difference for a distracted teen. At home, designate a study spot that’s away from the TV and where they can avoid tempting distractions (like their phone). Studies show that even having a phone nearby can distract students enough to disrupt focus. Explain that putting the phone away during study time isn’t about taking away their freedom but it’s actually helping them focus better and finish faster.
Make Organization a Shared Habit
Organization doesn’t come naturally to most teens, and learning to “manage life” is a skill that takes practice. We might assume teaching these skills directly is just one more thing to learn, but building routine and organizational skills can help them (and you) feel more in control. Encourage your teen to use tools like to-do lists or digital calendars to manage assignments and deadlines. Try keeping a family calendar with everyone’s schedules and deadlines, and set a consistent time each day to check in, with a rotating “team” leader.
Get Tech-Organized, Too
Digital learning has its perks and its challenges. If your teen is struggling to keep up with online assignments, help them get organized digitally, too. Encourage them to make a habit of checking their online classroom daily, keeping files in one place, and organizing folders for each subject. A streamlined digital space reduces stress and helps them keep track of everything.
Encourage Frequent, Low-Stakes Quizzes Over Big Tests
Test anxiety is real—and it can lead to procrastination or poor performance. High-stakes tests can put your teen on edge, so encourage frequent, smaller quizzes or review sessions at home to make tests feel less intimidating. One of the best predictors of test success is making and then taking a practice test that mimics the style and content of the real one. Remember to make an accurate answer key. Little bits of practice can reduce their fear of exams and give them confidence for the bigger ones.
Build Time for Breaks and Connection
Sometimes teens need a break to process new information and reduce stress. When studying, encourage them to take a short break between tasks to reset. Studies show that brain breaks can actually improve learning and focus. While they’re at it, try connecting new material with what they already know, or have them actively review class notes regularly by creating self-quizzes, charts and mind maps. These small habits make a big difference in long-term learning.
Tackle Test Stress
For many teens, stress from big tests can affect focus, sleep, and self-confidence. Instead of dropping tests altogether, help them learn to manage stress with a few easy techniques. Try “Test Talks,” where they talk through their worries about a test beforehand, or encourage them to see stress as a little energy boost instead of a burden. When stress is reframed positively, it’s often easier to handle.
Build Executive Function Skills for Well-being
Helping your teen develop executive function skills—whether it’s getting organized, sticking to deadlines, or managing stress—isn’t just about getting good grades. It’s about giving them tools that will serve them well into adulthood. With a little structure, encouragement, and patience, you can help your teen build habits that make school (and life!!) a lot easier. These are skills they’ll rely on long after high school, and building them now is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Coaching For Parents – Book a Discovery Call
Strategies to support your child’s executive function development and create a more harmonious home environment
Coaching For Students and Young Professionals
Time management and organization strategies
Goal setting and achievement techniques
Stress management and emotional regulation
Decision-making and problem-solving skills
Communication and interpersonal effectiveness
Crucial workplace skills
