Ep 3: How do I best help without over-helping my kid with executive function needs?

Ep 3: How do I best help without over-helping my kid with executive function needs?

Author: Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School December 5, 2019 Duration: 21:46

Do you worry that you help your kid too much? Maybe you stress that they'll never be independent but then still find yourself bailing them out in the 11th hour? Knowing how much and what type of help to give is tricky! This episode gets you out of old patterns and into new ways to help your child when you Strategize the Struggle!  Hey Kid! Pep talk is at 18:30  Visuals of the questions to ask are at: sarahkesty.com/episode3.  Thanks for listening! If you haven't already, please rate and review our show! It really does help!  All my love, Sarah 

Audience: all ages and contexts


Ever feel like your brain's filing system is in a state of permanent chaos, or that getting from an idea to action feels like an impossible maze? That's where executive function comes in-it's the mental toolkit we all use to manage our attention, organize our tasks, and plan our days. On The Executive Function Podcast, host Sarah Kesty from Brain Tools School moves beyond dry theory to offer genuinely helpful, fun, and effective strategies. Each episode feels like a practical conversation, whether you're looking to coach yourself through a project, support a teen struggling with organization, or help a child learn to manage their time. Sarah brings a palpable passion to the topic, sharing inspiration drawn from real-world experience with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. This isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about building on strengths and discovering new ways to thrive in daily life. Tune in for a down-to-earth mix of brain science and actionable tips that make the challenges of executive function feel a bit less daunting and a lot more manageable. You'll find this podcast is a supportive resource for families and individuals alike, all delivered with a sense of warmth and understanding that makes complex concepts accessible.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 87

The Executive Function Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep 14: Expert Interview: Patty Schetter from UC Davis MIND Institute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:26
If I've grown over the 16 years I've been teaching, much of it is due to seeds planted by an inspiring, authentic, and upbeat expert named Patty Schetter. This interview with Patty explores her perspectives on supporting…
Ep 12: Decision-Making Strategies that work anywhere! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
We decide all day: what to eat, what to listen to (like your favorite podcast here). But how do we teach someone the process of making a decision? I've got a great hack for you this week. Hey Kid is at 20:56. All my love…
Ep 11: Helpless? "Bad kid?" The third option: strategies! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
When we ask kids to be good at pretty much everything (all academic areas, plus PE, plus social-emotional skills) without considering where they start or what challenges they face, we push them into one of two roads: 1)…
Ep 9: Results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:08
If your kid seems genuinely baffled by the results of their actions...this episode is for you! Kids with EF needs often feel like life happens to them, and they need support to see that they indeed have more power than t…
Ep 8: Paying attention...it's not what you think! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
We’re talking about attention. Not the kind that comes naturally or you want to give freely, but the kind we ask kids to pay. Today I’m going to teach you quick strategies to improve your child’s attention and improve yo…
Ep 7: How to set up a planner or agenda with your child! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Which planner is best for my child with executive function needs? Digital or paper? Or, is it better to make one on our own? Where do you start? This episode explores all of these questions and more! Learn what is essent…