Smart, but Scattered: Helping Children and Teens Build the Executive Skills to Succeed in School and Life

Being smart is one ingredient for school success. But, without the ability to stay focused, develop a realistic plan for completing tasks and organizing yourself and your stuff, being smart may not get you very far.   It is those “executive skills” that are the focus of Dr. Peg Dawson’s work, particularly with children and teens who struggle with attention problems. Peg also is co-author of three books on the subject, dealing separately with children, teens and adults who are Smart, but Scattered. Tune in for practical ways to help kids build executive skills, as well as some true confessions from Marti & Erin about their “smart, but scattered” family members!   How do your children and other family members (including yourself) measure up on the executive skills discussed in this Mom Enough interview? How do you put into practice Dr. Dawson’s tips (e.g. breaking down tasks, establishing routines, creating clean spaces and using incentives)? What could you do better?   Related Resources: Creating a Home Environment that Promotes School Success tip sheet by Dr. Marti Erickson, click here. To learn more about Dr. Peg Dawson's books, click here. For the Smart but Scattered blog, click here.  

Om Podcasten

Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and her daughter Dr. Erin Erickson, women’s health nurse practitioner and specialist in maternal-child health, are co-hosts of Mom Enough®. They explore the many facets of motherhood in today’s world – from confronting the daily joys and struggles of helping kids grow up well, to balancing work and family, to considering the big questions of how society views and values mothers and mothering. Marti & Erin use research-based information and a few personal confessions as they and their guests discuss what it means to be "mom enough." As moms, most of us worry at times about whether we're doing things right, second-guessing our parenting approach and blaming ourselves if our children stray or fall short. We worry that we might not be "mom enough". But what does it really mean to be "mom enough"? And is it possible to be "mom too much," to the extent that our kids might not have a chance to build their own skills to navigate life's ups and downs? A new, free audio show is posted every Monday with expert guests who address topics related to children’s heath, development and learning. Listen to Mom Enough at www.MomEnough.com. Informational sheets on parenting, health & wellness, child development and safety are available under Resources on our web site.