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# Executive Functioning Skills At Home
- URL: https://www.overworkedmoms.com/executive-functioning-skills-at-home/
- Published: 2026-09-03T06:51:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-03T06:51:31.000Z
- Author: OverworkedMom

I was losing it over how disorganized my little lion was. I was constantly nagging him to clean up after himself after each food or drink session. I'd say, 'Please clean up after yourself.' then 'Thank you for cleaning up, but you missed this bit.' 1 minute after that: 'Now clean around the bin; things are supposed to be inside it, not around it. 1 minute later: There's still one piece outside the bin, can you fix that?'

This constant nagging often put us at each other's throats, especially on weekends when it seemed to happen multiple times a day. With his meals like breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, I'd end up nagging him three to four times each session. By the end of the day, after all the toy cleanup and meals, we were pretty much ready to snap.

At first, I wondered why I was so unsuccessful in teaching him to organize. He used to be good at cleaning up on his own, meticulous even. Then suddenly, he just stopped. 

I didn't want to be that nagging mom. I hate being nagged myself. 

My little lion tells me, 'I know, Mom, you don't have to keep saying it.' And I'd think, 'Well, if you know, then show it!'

I had no reference books or other children to compare against, and it's not a topic I discuss much with other moms because it feels basic. In my head I think isn't it my job to enforce discipline? If he's not doing it then I'm not doing my job right. I'm a parent failure!!! 

Out of frustration and dead ends, one day I decided to ask AI, 'Why does my eight-year-old need constant reminders to clean up?' It told me that at his age, kids lack executive functioning skills. They're disorganized and fine with it; they don't see the mess as a mess.

That was a huge eye-opener. From his perspective, there's nothing wrong, and that's why he gets frustrated at me. He often thinks he's done it right, like when he puts trash in the bin but doesn't notice some fell out. It's almost always the case. 

Seeing it from his point of view made me thankful to AI for helping me widen my perspective and become more empathetic toward his developmental stage.