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.