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Why can a preschooler follow simple directions but struggle with waiting their turn? Why do middle school students remember every detail about their favorite athlete yet forget to bring a pencil to class? And why does it sometimes feel like teenagers' brains are under construction?
In this episode of Setting the Standard, veteran educators Jared Mills and Danielle Gillespie explore how executive functioning skills develop from infancy through young adulthood. Using relatable stories from the classroom, the basketball court, and everyday family life, they explain what children are developmentally capable of at each stage—and why patience, coaching, and realistic expectations matter.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How executive functioning skills emerge from infancy and continue developing into a person's mid-20s.
What executive functioning looks like during the preschool, elementary, middle school, and young adult years.
Why adolescents often struggle with planning, organization, impulse control, and long-term projects.
How the developing prefrontal cortex shapes behavior and decision-making.
Why challenging behaviors are often signs of developing skills—not character flaws.
Practical ways parents and educators can use "scaffolding" to help children build independence and confidence over time.
Whether you're a parent wondering if your child's behavior is age-appropriate, an educator looking for research-based strategies, or someone interested in how the brain develops, this episode offers practical insights that will change the way you view learning, behavior, and growth.
Join us as we unpack the science behind executive functioning development and discover how shifting from frustration to understanding can help every child—and every adult—reach their full potential.
