PLease Help?

Executive functions are the biological and cognitive processes involved in the development of skills children need in order to develop into well-adjusted adults.

For example, in order to succeed in school, children need to learn how to pay (and maintain) attention, follow and remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks given to them, among other things. These skills rely on a child developing neural networks and overall brain growth in areas such as the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, etc. This growth can be stimulated through things like playing and teamwork, and is further supported through healthy, loving relationships with family and friends. Eventually, children learn to apply these skills to other areas in their lives as they get older, such as work and romantic relationships, which can also help them achieve self-actualization in the future.

Executive functioning also plays a role in the development of healthy behaviors and rational decision-making. Because executive functions are not fully developed yet in children and adolescents, difficulty in breaking bad habits and impulsivity/inability to plan ahead are more frequent problems these younger populations experience compared to adults. It's also a reason why addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol shouldn't be given/encouraged at younger ages. Additionally, the lack of executive functioning plays a major role in certain neurodevelopmental disorders, like ADHD, which can have a chronic impact on childrens' lives if not recognized and left untreated.

Sorry if I wrote too much and went off on a few tangents, I hope this helps!