93 EF Series: Initiation - Why Getting Started Is Hard for Some Kids—and How to Help

Kids with Big Emotions Podcast

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

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Intake Form for Executive Function Series: https://andiclark.com/assess-emotions/

Show Notes

Does your child hesitate to begin tasks, even when they know what to do? In this episode, we explore why getting started can be so challenging for kids and how parents can support them effectively. We’ll uncover the connections between initiation, executive functioning, and emotional regulation, offering practical strategies to help your child take that all-important first step.

Key Takeaways

1. What Is Initiation? The ability to begin tasks independently is a core executive functioning skill that many kids struggle to develop.
2. Why Some Kids Get Stuck: Foundational skills like perception, attention, and working memory play a critical role in initiating tasks. Weaknesses in these areas can make getting started feel overwhelming.
3. Stress and Executive Functioning: A child’s nervous system can become taxed by emotional, sensory, or physical stress, further reducing their ability to start tasks.
4. Practical Steps for Parents: Breaking tasks into manageable chunks, creating routines, and building on small successes can help kids develop initiation skills over time.
5. Patience and Compassion: Every child’s journey is different. A supportive approach that celebrates small wins can make a significant difference.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Why initiation matters and the focus of today’s episode.
• [00:03:00] What Is Initiation? Understanding why starting tasks independently is a challenge for many kids.
• [00:07:00] The Role of Foundational Skills: How perception, attention, and working memory are linked to initiation.
• [00:12:00] Personal Example: Andi shares a story of her son’s challenges with initiation and how stress impacts his progress.
• [00:17:00] Stress and Its Impact: The connection between stressors, executive functioning, and task initiation.
• [00:20:00] Strategies for Success: Practical ways to help kids break through hesitation and start with confidence.
• [00:28:00] Building Momentum: Celebrating small victories to reinforce positive patterns.
• [00:30:00] Recap and Closing: A compassionate reminder to approach initiation struggles with patience.