Becky Novack, MA November, 2025
As parents, we spend years teaching our kids how to read, do math, and make friends. But when they leave for college, a whole new set of skills suddenly becomes just as important: executive functioning.
These are the mental skills that help us plan, organize, manage time, start tasks, and follow through – the “get things done” part of the brain. For many college students, especially those with ADHD or anxiety, executive functioning is where things can start to unravel once the structure of high school disappears.
Why Executive Functioning Matters in College
The freedom of college can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Strong executive functioning skills allow students to:
- Manage long-term projects and balance multiple classes
- Break large assignments into smaller, doable steps
- Keep track of deadlines, appointments, and commitments
- Regulate emotions and bounce back from setbacks
- Prioritize when everything feels urgent
Without these skills, students can fall into a cycle of procrastination, missed deadlines, and self doubt, even when they’re capable and motivated.
What You Can do as a Parent
You can’t manage their planner from afar (and shouldn’t try to!). But you can help by focusing on support, not control.
- Shift from reminding to coaching. Instead of “Did you turn that in?” try “What’s your plan for getting that done?” This builds internal accountability.
- Normalize struggle. Executive functioning isn’t fixed. Many students need time and practice to adjust, especially in that first year.
- Encourage structure. Sleep, exercise, and consistent study spots are small things that make a big difference for focus.
- Suggest professional support. If your student is stuck, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, coaching can help.
- Spotlight Skill:
- Use Technology Wisely
Spotlight Skill: Organization & Time Management
One of the most common executive functioning challenges for college students is
organizing materials and managing time. Between rotating class schedules, digital
platforms, and social distractions, it’s easy for even capable students to feel
scattered.
Here are a few tools and strategies to make organization and time management easier:
1. Use Technology Wisely
- Text-to-speech tools: Apps like Speechify or NaturalReader can read
textbooks, PDFs, or Canvas pages aloud — a game changer for students who
struggle with focus or reading fatigue. - Task management apps: Encourage them to try Todoist, Notion, or Google
Tasks for organizing to-dos by class and due date. - Calendar sync: Link their academic calendar to their phone’s calendar
(Google or Apple) and color-code by class or category.
2. Visual Planning Systems
Even digital natives benefit from physical organization:
- A large monthly dry erase calendar in their dorm keeps major deadlines
visible. - Sticky notes or index cards can help break large assignments into visual,
small steps. - A timer or Pomodoro app helps students work in focused sprints with short
breaks.
3. Set Up an “EF Success Kit”
A few tangible items can make a big difference in reducing mental clutter and keeping systems on track. Here’s a short list of items that support strong executive functioning in college:
EF Success Kit for College:
- Wall calendar or dry-erase board
- Sticky notes or index cards
- Folder for each class
- Small timer or phone stand (for focused study sessions)
- Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
- Desk organizer or file sorter
- Extra phone charger/lap top charger for their backpack
- Notebook or planner they actually like using
Setting these systems early in the semester builds habits that support independence, focus, and follow through without a parent’s reminders.
Learn More
At True Mind + Body, I work one on one with college students to strengthen executive functioning skills – from time management and organization to motivation and follow through. Coaching sessions are personalized, supportive, and completely remote, giving students the tools they need to manage their academics and their well-being. Learn more or schedule a free consultation at truemindandbody.com or email becky@truemindandbody.com.
