Help Your Child Build Planning, Focus, and Self-Control
An evidence-based course for parents of children ages 4-12. Learn to become the external support your child's developing brain needs—without shame, pressure, or unrealistic expectations.
The Science Behind the Course
Built on Russell Barkley's research on executive functioning, this course gives you the framework to understand and support your child's developing brain.
Developmental, Not Motivational
Executive functioning develops slowly and unevenly. Your child isn't choosing to struggle—their brain is still under construction.
Performance, Not Knowledge
Executive functioning problems are performance problems, not knowledge problems. Knowing what to do isn't the same as being able to do it.
Support, Not Independence
Children need external support longer than we expect. Independence is the outcome, not the starting point.
"Parents don't create executive skills by explaining them. They create them by supplying what the child's brain cannot yet do."
What This Course Is Not
We believe in being upfront about what you're getting. This course is designed to help, not to add pressure.
- ✕Not a discipline system
- ✕Not a motivation fix
- ✕Not a "make your child more compliant" program
What It Is
- Evidence-based strategies grounded in neuroscience
- Practical tools you can implement today
- A framework that reduces your mental load
- Compassionate guidance without judgment
What You'll Learn
Seven comprehensive modules designed to take you from understanding to action.
Executive Functioning: What It Really Is (and What It Isn't)
Understand executive functioning as self-regulation over time, not organization or effort.
- •Pause before acting (inhibition)
- •Hold the future in mind (working memory)
- •Emotional regulation
Development Matters: What's Reasonable at Each Age
Set expectations that match brain development, not calendar age.
- •Ages 4-6: Needs adult structure almost constantly
- •Ages 7-9: Can practice skills with scaffolding
- •Ages 10-12: Can begin planning with support
The Environment Is the Intervention
Learn how to engineer success before behavior breaks down.
- •Visual schedules and external time cues
- •Routines that reduce decision-making
- •Predictable transitions
Parents as the Executive System
Understand your role as temporary (or long-term) external frontal lobes.
- •Depend → Co-regulate → Practice → Gradual release
- •Sitting nearby during homework
- •Coaching language scripts
Emotion Regulation Comes First
Recognize that emotion disables executive functioning.
- •Calm is a prerequisite for planning
- •Co-regulation before self-regulation
- •Recovery routines
When Things Don't Work: Collaborative Problem-Solving
Shift from punishment to skill-building problem-solving.
- •Failure is feedback, not defiance
- •Review the system, not the child
- •After-action review framework
Long-Term Support, ADHD, and Letting Go of Myths
Understand when executive support needs to be ongoing, not faded.
- •ADHD as developmental difference
- •External supports as prosthetics, not crutches
- •When to seek more support
Research & Resources
Additional resources including executive functioning research, developmental neuroscience foundations, and ADHD-specific guidance.
Hi, I'm Dr. Ely.
As a Licensed Psychologist, I've spent years helping families navigate the challenges of child development. I know the gap between "clinical advice" and the messy reality of parenting.
I created Growing Executive Skills to bridge that gap. It's a practical framework designed to reduce your mental load while supporting your child's developing brain. No fluff, just the science of what works.
My goal is to help you stop parenting from fear and start parenting from understanding.
Invest in Your Family's Future
180-day access to all 7 modules, practical tools, and bonus resources.
One-time payment • 180-Day Access
Evidence-based content with practical tools
Worksheets, checklists, and coaching scripts
Additional resources and ADHD-specific guidance
Led by Dr. Ely, PhD, HSPP, LP
Due to the digital nature of this course with immediate access to all materials, all sales are final. Please review the curriculum to ensure this course is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers.
Ready to Support Your Child's Executive Development?
Your job is not to make your child independent. Your job is to support development until independence becomes possible.