Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists April 2016 | Page 14

5 Best Answers to Encourage Executive Functioning Skills
(Continued)
3. I don’t know, let’s make a guess together.
Example: Child: Why is the swing squeaking? Adult: I don’t
know, let’s look closely and make a guess together?
When there isn’t an answer or there is not an age-appropriate
answer, it is ok to make a guess together (or a theory or
hypothesis for older children). This is a great time to focus
on flexible thinking skills, especially for children who are
very literal or think in absolutes (black and white thinking).
The cognitive skill of making a guess can be hard for
children, but with a therapist role modeling for them it can
stretch them more complex thinking skills (don’t be surprised
if a child’s guess is completely wrong, being right or wrong
isn’t the point!)
2 What could happen if you ____? (Or, how would that
make ____ feel?)
Example: Child: Can I wear my tutu in OT? Adult: What
might happen to a tutu while we swing or play with shaving
cream today? How would you feel if your tutu got dirty?
Children often ask “what if” or “can I” questions. Rather than answer, let the child think about
the reasoning behind the answer. It is a great chance to make predictions about
consequences of actions (a key part of developing self-regulation). This is a great way to
build social skills as well, focusing on theory of mind, social thinking, and emotional
regulation skills.
1. Give an outrageous or silly answer and let them correct you.
Example: Child: Can I wash my hands? Adult: Nope, this week at OT we are only washing
our elbows and ears.
My favorite response is to give an answer that makes absolutely no sense. Children love to
correct adults and be “right,” and this gives a wonderful chance to have your child try to
convince you through logic skills. This also helps to build a healthy amount of skepticism
(and critical thinking skills) that all children need. This can be hard for children who are very
literal or struggle with language skills, but can also present a great opportunity to build social
skills, sense of humor, while promoting higher level thinking skills.
This article is written is by a guest blogger, Paige Hays, OTR. She is an occupational
therapist who provides in-home, pediatric occupational therapy services in the south metro
area of the Twin Cities, MN through Paige Hays, Therapy Services, LLC. She is a mother of
2 girls, avid DIYer, and a highly skilled and experienced OT. She specializes in working in
pediatrics, with diverse expertise ranging from cognition and sensory issues to working with
children with neuromuscular disabilities or complex medical needs.
Don’t forget to check out the Paige Hays Therapy Services Blog (http://paigehays.net/blog/)
and follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/paigehays.net).

www.YourTherapySource.com