The Parent Playbook — Coaching Executive Function Skills at Home

Help families turn short daily moments into measurable skill growth. The Parent Playbook: Coaching Executive Function Skills at Home (Think. Plan. Thrive. Series) is a practical, research‑informed toolkit for parents of students in grades 6–12 to evaluate, coach, and celebrate executive‑function development at home.

Key features 

•  Full modular curriculum covering the 12 executive functions: Time Management, Goal Setting, Emotional Regulation, Task Initiation, Working Memory, Focus & Attention, Organization, Planning, Prioritizing, Metacognition, Self‑Monitoring & Self‑Talk, and Cognitive Flexibility.
•  Quick Start Toolkit: One‑page weekly planner, Daily Log (parent + student columns), 5‑minute Daily Debrief script, and End‑of‑Week reflection to collect fast, objective data and guide small iterative changes.
•  Printable, family‑friendly materials: student/parent pre‑ and post‑assessments, progress tracker, activity pages and templates for every module (estimation & timing logs, SMART goal cards, calm‑toolkit checklists, 2‑minute startup logs, working‑memory drills, focus audits, binder resets, backwards planning forms, priority matrices, learning journals, self‑monitoring checklists, strategy‑swap exercises).
•  Evidence‑based strategies: Pomodoro/focus blocks, backward planning, chunking, active recall, breathing/grounding routines, self‑testing, and scaffolded prompts — each module includes quick scripts, tracking suggestions, and adaptations for ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences.
•  Modular, fadeable approach: Start parent‑led (2–4 weeks), transition to student‑led (4–8 weeks) with explicit roles, fade plans, and troubleshooting tips to keep momentum without overwhelm.
•  Data‑driven and privacy‑sensitive: Built‑in measurement guidance (frequency, duration, quality, independence, strategy use), simple daily/weekly logs, team communication notes, and respectful guidance on sharing with schools.
•  Family engagement tools: Recommended materials and study‑space setup, Weekly Family Meeting Planner, rewards ideas, and tips to celebrate small wins.

Benefits for parents and students 

•  Low‑lift, high‑impact: 5–15 minutes daily plus a weekly 10‑minute review converts routines into durable skills that transfer to school.
•  Makes learning visible: short logs and reflection pages surface patterns so families can make targeted tweaks rather than guessing.
•  Builds independence: gradual fading supports student ownership while keeping early structure to ensure success.
•  Supports diverse learners: adaptations and scripts for ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences help families individualize practice.

What’s included 

•  Quick Start Toolkit: Daily Log, 5‑Minute Debrief script, weekly reflection, progress tracker.
•  12 Module packs (each with module guide, activity page, scripts, tracking forms, and troubleshooting): Time Management; Goal Setting; Emotional Regulation; Task Initiation; Working Memory; Focus & Attention; Organization; Planning; Prioritizing; Metacognition; Self‑Monitoring & Self‑Talk; Cognitive Flexibility.
•  Student & Parent pre/post assessments, printable templates (timing logs, backwards planning, checklists), and a references list.

Who it’s for 

•  Parents and caregivers of middle and high school students (grades 6–12).
•  Teachers, school counselors, and family engagement coordinators who want a consistent home‑to‑school EF coaching framework.

Format and use 

•  Printable, shareable pages and templates designed for short daily use and weekly reflection. Ideal for parent‑led coaching that fades to student independence.

Learn more at www.theexecutivefunctionproject.com or follow @_theexecutivefunctionproject.