As students progress through middle and high school, the academic demands increase dramatically. Between managing multiple classes, staying on top of assignments, balancing extracurriculars, and preparing for the future, it’s easy for teens to feel overwhelmed. For many, the challenge isn’t a lack of intelligence, it’s a lack of executive functioning skills.
Executive functioning is the set of mental processes that help us plan, stay organized, manage time, and regulate emotions. When these skills lag, even bright and motivated teens can struggle to succeed. That’s where an executive function coach can make a life-changing difference.
Here are 5 signs your teen may benefit from working with one:
- They Struggle to Stay Organized
If your teen’s backpack looks more like a recycling bin than a study tool—or if assignments are lost before they’re even turned in—it may point to organizational challenges. Executive function coaching provides practical systems (like binder setups, checklists, and digital organization) to help students keep track of their work and responsibilities.
- Time Management Is a Constant Battle
Does your teen wait until the night before a project is due to start? Or do they underestimate how long homework will take, leading to late nights and stress? Poor time management is one of the most common executive function struggles. A coach can teach strategies to break tasks into manageable steps, set priorities, and use time wisely.
- They Have Trouble Starting or Finishing Tasks
Procrastination and incomplete work are often less about laziness and more about difficulty with task initiation and follow-through. Executive function coaching helps teens develop routines, overcome avoidance, and build the confidence to complete work from start to finish.
- Emotions Frequently Get in the Way of Learning
Teens with weaker executive functioning may get easily frustrated, shut down when work feels “too hard,” or avoid challenges altogether. A coach provides tools for emotional regulation, helping students stay calm, focused, and resilient when facing academic pressure.
- Academic Potential Isn’t Matching Performance
Perhaps your teen understands the material but can’t seem to translate that knowledge into strong grades. This mismatch often signals an executive function gap. Coaching bridges that gap by strengthening the skills that support success—organization, planning, time management, and problem-solving.
Why Executive Function Coaching Matters
Strong executive function skills don’t just help teens in school—they prepare them for life. From succeeding in college to managing responsibilities in a career, these skills are the foundation of independence and confidence.
At Burch Tutoring, we specialize in helping students build these critical skills through personalized executive function coaching. Our coaches combine real-world expertise with practical strategies that teens can start using immediately. The result? Less stress, better grades, and a stronger path toward long-term success.
👉 Ready to help your teen thrive? Contact us today to learn more about how executive function coaching can make a difference.