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Language: en

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Hi, I'm Arcelia González for
Common Sense Media.

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As a parent or caregiver, you've
probably noticed that young kids

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can really struggle with things like
taking turns, controlling their impulses,

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or being flexible when things don't go their way.

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But have you ever wondered why?

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Even as babies, children are developing
critical life skills that rely on

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brain functions called "executive functions."

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These are the skills that help us plan,
focus our attention, control our impulses,

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work towards goals, and more.

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Children aren't born with these skills,
so parents and caregivers have

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an important role to play in helping
their children develop them.

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Executive functioning skills
fall into three categories:

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The first is working memory.

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These skills include remembering instructions
and following them step-by-step later.

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The second is flexible thinking.

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These skills help kids make transitions
from one activity to the next,

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or go with the flow when things don't go their way!

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And the third category is self-control.

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These skills help kids manage
their emotions and impulses.

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You don't need anything fancy to support
children's executive functioning skills --

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everyday experiences can help their development.

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And that includes their interactions
with media and technology!

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So here are some things you can do:

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Number 1: Talk to your kids about
the media they're using.

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Ask them questions about
what they're seeing or hearing.

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Kids love to talk about shows and games!

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You can even make a special
time by using media together.

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Conversations are a great way to
develop executive function skills.

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Number 2: Practice taking turns with an app.

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Turn taking is great for learning
to manage emotions and transitions.

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And number 3: Set up positive routines
for transitions whenscreen time is over.

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Some children may respond well
to a timer, and others may do

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better when they get to
the end of a level or a show.

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Finding natural breaking points can
help children transition more smoothly.

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When you help your kids develop
strong executive functioning skills,

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you're helping them prepare
for success in school and in life.

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To learn more about how to use media
to support your child's healthy development,

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visit Commonsense.org/families