Scattered to Focused: Smart Strategies to Improve Your Child's Executive Functioning Skills

by Zac Grisham

Set your child up for success with simple strategies to develop executive function in kids 4 to 12

Parenting a child who struggles with executive function—the skills that help us stay focused, manage our emotions, and plan ahead—can be a challenge, whether or not they have an official ADHD diagnosis. This book is filled with expert advice and actionable strategies that can help your smart but scattered child build the skills they need to thrive both at school and at home.

Quick assessment tools—Better understand your child’s level of executive function and learn what motivates them, for stronger communication and connection. Expert advice—Learn how to build confidence and autonomy in your smart but scattered child with research-based guidance for helping them practice self-control, manage time, follow routines, beat procrastination, and more.Common sense explanations—Explore how executive function works in clear, simple language, and then apply what you learned through fun activities like using code words and making memory boards.

Build better habits and routines in smart but scattered kids with this comprehensive parent’s guide to executive function.

Genres: Parenting, Adhd, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5. Very good, easily applied conceptualization and strategies.

[Dana Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for every teacher and parent. Grisham’s strategies are intuitive and easy to implement. I’ve noticed a difference in my son’s confidence already as a result of car rides filled with the games and conversations Grisham recommends.
This is also a quick read filled with reviews of other major education studies and books that many persons new to teaching would likely find very helpful.

[Brieanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our society, when we are distracted, we joke and say we have “ADHD”. Many of us assume we may have glimmers of it, but we’re afraid to look deeper out of fear (of labeling, drugs, etc). That was me.

My son often has more energy than other boys. He’s more impulsive, more reactive, and often labeled for his behaviors. When he was in public school, I was getting calls regularly. I was afraid of what an ADHD diagnosis meant for him and his future.

On the flip side of the coin, the parent assessments were eye-opening. After taking them, so much made sense! All the disagreements we have as a family are hinged on these issues.

This book is very easy to read as far as organization, vocabulary and flow. I learned so much about ADHD/Executive Functioning. And in a very, clear, direct, concise way. No finger pointing, shaming or personal whining—just clear advocacy for kids and families who struggle with executive functioning (time management, self control, regulating emotions, following routines, etc).

I personally appreciated the hand holding and delicate, yet motivating way the book is written. To me, we need to be aware of all of our options—and he does such a great job outlining so many great ideas. I especially liked the tid-bits on how to work with the school system like the 504 plan (shall we ever decide to go back to public school). Although, I don’t know if our elementary would have given the level special treatment that he suggests.

Anyhow, highly recommend. And to Zac, thank you for being a human and sharing your human experience with other humans. Your insights as a child, teacher and counselor are so much appreciated and have made a big difference in our home!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is easy to follow for caregivers without a clinical background. It is informative and helpful in defining executive functioning skills clearly. It provides some helpful practical ideas for improving executive functioning skills in children, but there is definitely room for more ideas to have been included.

It would be most helpful for caregivers working with children with diagnosed ADD/ADHD in the traditional classroom setting. It would be less practically helpful for caregivers of children with general or mild executive functioning struggles and for those outside of the traditional classroom.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I started reading in order to help my son deal with his ADHD, that I got halfway through and then I realized I had ADHD. I sought help and like my son was also diagnosed. I finally got back around to finishing this after I worked on getting my act in order. I wouldn't say I'm there yet but I have made major improvements in my life in the past year. Now I can get back to helping out my kid.

[Rhiannon Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I would highly recommend for any teachers who have or may some day have ADHD kiddos in their class. Very helpful as a parent and home school teacher of my ADHD son. I was able to gain a different prospective and understanding a variety of new approaches in how to handle situations and help my son.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book full of helpful tips to help your child with his/her executive functioning skill deficits. My child needs help in all areas and now I have an arsenal of areas that focus on letting him feel like he has some control and can do things. He can grow and feel his strength. A definite must read.

[Myra Loy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a clinician, this book was not groundbreaking, but it is meant for parents. And for parents, I think this book is fantastic. It gets to the point, explains things well, and is full of strategies that are developmentally and age specific - which is what most people with boots on the ground want. And even as a clinician, I still walked away learning a few things, too.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introductory book for a parent wanting to help their child cope with ADHD or improve executive function skills. If you have already done a lot of reading on this subject, this book may be a bit basic. It is a quick read though and has many helpful tips.

[Tammy White]

Excellent Read

Very informative and relatable. Useful resources. This book gave me hope and let me know assessment could be very beneficial.

[Derek Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful tips and tricks for parents of children with ADHD. Helps parents clearly understand what is going on in their child’s brain and how to help.

[Jessica DeCleene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books on adhd I have ever read. Well thought out, great resources, great advice, awesome!

[Liz Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any caregiver to read. Many of the strategies offered are useful on the adult spectrum as well!

[Rebecca Dabelko Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it's because my degree is in special education, but everything in the book I already knew. I guess it was a good reminder, but nothing really jumped out to me.

[Eme Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely has some helpful tips to it. I was recommended it by my child's therapist. I'm glad that she recommended it.

[Katie Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has solid concepts and simple strategies to implement with kids who struggle with executive functioning/ADHD. A great resource for parents and teachers. Geared toward kids ages 4-12.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the most helpful book I've ever read about executive functioning skills and how to help my differently-wired child.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s hard to find resources on this topic that are relevant for younger kids (3-4 years old) but this absolutely was. The advice was practical and the writing style felt like being in the office talking to a good therapist.