Executive functioning skills are those skills needed to manage oneself in order to reach a goal. To draw on an analogy, if all the cognitive processes such as working memory, attention, visualizing, verbalizing and motor skills were an orchestra, then executive functioning is the conductor. Without self-regulation, it is difficult for the cognitive processes to take place or, to extend the analogy, for the conductor to be able to do the job. Children with self-regulation / executive functioning challenges often have difficulties in many aspects of their lives. At school, they may have problems staying on task long enough to complete the assignment, they may make careless errors or they may not follow classroom rules. At home, they may have trouble completing chores, remembering routines and regulating their emotional reactions to situations or decisions. Socially, they may respond impulsively without taking other’s feelings into account, only to regret their actions later.
Parenting children with self-regulation / executive functioning deficits can be very trying, requiring much more adult attention and intervention than is typically necessary when parenting children who do not have these difficulties. This course is offered to children ages 8 years to 10 years who are having self-regulation / executive functioning challenges. Concepts are taught through the use of age-appropriate, enjoyable, lively activities and engaging discussions.
(An ADHD diagnosis is not required for attendance.)
Concepts taught include:
- Growth mindset
- Setting out intentions
- Brain anatomy: understanding the role of the amygdala, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex
- Self-assessment of emotional state, naming emotions, tracking them in the body and using emotions constructively to achieve goals
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- The role of movement, body postures
- Mindfulness
- Visualization including guided imagery
- Understanding automatic negative thoughts (ANTS)
- Developing Positive Self-Talk (PST)
- Tapping (EFT–Emotional Freedom Technique)
- Using the skills together and celebrating success
Time is set aside at the end of each group to introduce parents to the concepts presented to the children so they can reinforce and model these skills at home.
Dates: Please inquire about a new seven week group starting in the Fall 2022
Time: 5:15 pm to 6:45 pm
Parents to attend the last 30 minutes.
Location: Griffin Business Centre, 901 West 3rd St. North Vancouver, BC V79 3P9
For inquires, please contact Kathy at 778 – 686 – 3267 or by e-mail.
To register, please fill in the form below and one of our counselors will contact you shortly to set up a complimentary 30 minute intake telephone call.