We’re circling back to a hot topic—Executive Function. This multi-layered set of skills is impacted by many building blocks of development, and challenges can present in a myriad of ways. As a continuation of our six-part series with Teresa Nair, in this episode you will hear about:

• Descriptions of Executive Function from multiple perspectives
• Nature and nurture contributions
• The integrative and developmental pathways of executive function which includes:
  • Physical/sensory
  • Emotional
  • Experiential
  • Relational
• How do challenges with executive function show up in daily life? Children, teens, or people in general may exhibit difficulties with:
  • Perspective-taking
  • “Compliance”
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Disorganization
  • Inflexible thinking
  • Difficulty delaying gratification
  • “Bossy” behavior
  • And more!
• What do parents do if they think their child has challenges with executive function?
  • First, know yourself as the parent. Then consider initial steps…
    • Start with research OR
    • Start looking for professional support by…
      • Talking with your pediatrician or another trusted professional you have a relationship with.
      • Asking your community, your friends. You’re not alone in this!
  • Be open to new ways of thinking such as:
    • “How do we connect the skills of where our child shines (e.g., video games) to the skills we desire our children to develop (e.g., cleaning their room)?
    • Identify areas where our kids are struggling and name it was a skill they have not mastered yet rather than a fault of theirs.

**Resources**

• Dr. Ross Green’s “Kids to Well If They Can”
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvzQQDfAL-Q
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Praxis”
  • https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/12118331
• Related Episode: “Understanding Executive Function (Praxis Part 2):
  • https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/12118331
• Triune Brain Model:
  • https://self-reg.ca/the-triune-brain/
• Pomodora Method:
  • https://www.todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
  • https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/study-lab/study-skills-tools-resources/pomodoro-technique

***Contact Us***

• Cassie Wilcox (www.thewishingwellot.com)
• Erica Scheifflee (https://feedingconsciousrelationships.com/)
• Teresa Nair (Title: Education Advisor and Speaker ; Email: teresa@reel2e.org ; Social: LinkedIn Profile )

****Music credits****

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT

PDA is a concept still in its infancy in the United States. Otherwise known as Pathological Demand Avoidance, this behavior profile is often associated with autism and pervasively impacts a person’s ability to participate in meaningful everyday activities. The physiological experience becomes a powerful barrier—even in activities that a person wants to do. It’s not that a person won’t participate, it’s that they can’t. So how do we address PDA, and how do we make sure we are helping kids grow and develop all while honoring their “persistent demand for autonomy?” Join Erica, Cassie, and Teresa as we discuss:

• How does PDA put a magnifying glass on what humanity overall needs?
• The importance of asking ourselves why someone would have a pervasive or magnified need for autonomy.
• How do we respond to the withdrawal, oppositional, or eruptive behaviors that a child exhibits as a “demand avoidant” reaction?
• How do we begin communicating differently and foster “thrival”—not just survival— for PDA individuals?
• The power of the “flow state.”

Next month we will cover the 4th episode in this 6-part series: Executive Function.

**Resources**

• Kristy Forbes: https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/
• Casey Ehrlich At Peace Parents: https://bio.site/atpeaceparents?
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Compassionate Command” https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/11353565
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Praxis” https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/12118331

**Contact Teresa**

• Title: Education Advisor and Speaker
• Email: teresa@reel2e.org
• Social: LinkedIn Profile

***Erica’s NEW website***

• https://feedingconsciousrelationships.com/

****Music credits****

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT

Have you ever experienced anxiety? What about someone you know and love? Statistically speaking, very few people will live their entire life WITHOUT being touched by anxiety in some way. For such a small word, the topic is MASSIVE. And we're left with so many questions. Like...why do some people experience so much anxiety that it negatively impacts their lives? Is it something we must live with forever? Is it just our genetics? What can be done besides “talk therapy” and medication?

In this episode, we will begin to unpack the underlying factors that lead to anxiety which helps us understand what steps to take when we are experiencing dis-ease. Join Erica, Cassie, and Teresa and learn about:

• What does anxiety look like across ages and individuals?
• What is anxiety trying to signal to us?
• Whole-person approaches that are available to us BEYOND medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy which includes:
  • Relational
  • Communication
  • Sensory
  • Gut, Diet
  • We are only scratching the surface in this episode!
• And finally…how does SOME anxiety actually serve us?

It's time to take your power back. Anxiety does not have to rule you, your child, or your family. After all, “the opposite of anxiety is not calm—it’s trust” (Uniquely Human) and anxiety is the perceptual loss of the sense of security. You can find your way back to wholeness. We hope you will join us.

And don’t forget to check out next month’s episode where the three of us will discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

**Resources**

• Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents by Eli R. Lebowitz (2021).
• Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant: https://barryprizant.com/uniquely-human/
• “Balance and Mental Health” blog post by Cassie Wilcox: https://www.thewishingwellot.com/blog/balance-and-mental-health
• Related Training: “Balancing Behavior with Relational Attunement” by Erica Scheifflee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrKHk6Ok4J0
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Compassionate Command” https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/11353565
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Praxis” https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/12118331

**Contact Teresa**

• teresa@reel2e.org

***Erica’s NEW website***

• https://feedingconsciousrelationships.com/

****Music credits****

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT