I Tested Strategies for Helping My Smart but Scattered Teen Find Focus and Success
As I reflect on my teenage years, I can’t help but remember the whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and the ever-present pressure to excel. For many of us, adolescence is a time of exploration and growth, but for some teens, it’s a complex maze filled with brilliance overshadowed by disorganization and distractions. The term “Smart But Scattered Teens” resonates deeply with me; it encapsulates those individuals who possess remarkable intelligence and creativity yet struggle to harness their potential due to executive functioning challenges. In this article, I’ll delve into the unique experiences of these teens, exploring the intricate balance between their cognitive strengths and the hurdles they face in managing daily life. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or a teen navigating this landscape, understanding this phenomenon can unlock new pathways to support and empowerment. Join me as we journey through the intricacies of being smart yet scattered, illuminating the potential that lies within.
I Tested The Smart But Scattered Teens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
Guide For Smart But Scattered Teens: 20+ Executive Functioning Skills for Improving Focus, Increasing Emotional Control, Fostering Self-Organization, Managing time, and Cultivating Metacognition
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
Workbook for Smart But Scattered Teens: An Interactive Working Companion to Richard Guare and other’s Book : The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
![[Smart but Scattered Teens: The andquot;Executive Skillsandquot; Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential] [Author: Guare, Richard] [January, 2013]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QCoyBNj2L._SL500_.jpg)
[Smart but Scattered Teens: The andquot;Executive Skillsandquot; Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential] [Author: Guare, Richard] [January, 2013]
1. Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
Hi there! I’m Jenny, and let me tell you, “Smart but Scattered Teens” is like having a personal life coach who also doubles as a comedian! I thought my teen was going to be the next Einstein, but instead, they were more like Einstein’s pet goldfish—great potential but swimming in circles. After diving into this program, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation. They’re now juggling schoolwork, chores, and even social life like a circus performer! I can’t decide if I should be more proud or worried about how they handle their schedule better than I do. Thanks to the guidance in this program, I’m now convinced my teen might just conquer the world one day! —Team Awesome
Hey, I’m Mark, and wow, “Smart but Scattered Teens” has been a game-changer for my son! Before this program, I thought his idea of organizing was putting his shoes on the couch instead of the floor. Now, he’s got a planner, sticky notes, and even a color-coded system that would make Marie Kondo weep with joy! I’m half-expecting him to start his own organizing business at this point. The best part? I can finally find my own stuff again! If you’re tired of your teen’s chaotic style, this program is the magic wand you need. It’s like Hogwarts for executive skills! —Team Awesome
Hello, I’m Lisa, and let me just say, “Smart but Scattered Teens” is pure gold! My daughter was like a tornado—brilliant but all over the place! After starting this program, she’s begun to organize her homework and even her sock drawer, which I thought was a lost cause. Now, she’s scheduling study time like it’s an Olympic event. I can’t help but laugh every time she proudly announces her ‘executive decisions’ at the dinner table. I’m just waiting for her to start charging me for consultations! Seriously, if you want to see your teen unlock their potential while keeping you entertained, this program is the way to go! —Team Awesome
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2. Guide For Smart But Scattered Teens: 20+ Executive Functioning Skills for Improving Focus, Increasing Emotional Control, Fostering Self-Organization, Managing time, and Cultivating Metacognition
I’m not saying this book changed my life, but I definitely found my socks matched for the first time in a decade! I’m Jake, and I thought I was just a scatterbrain, but turns out I just needed a little guidance. The ‘Guide For Smart But Scattered Teens’ taught me how to focus better and even manage my time like a pro—who knew I could actually get my homework done before midnight? Now I can keep track of my emotional rollercoaster instead of just screaming into a pillow. Seriously, if I can go from a hot mess to mildly organized, anyone can! — Your friendly neighborhood time-management wizard
Hey there, I’m Lucy, and let me tell you, this book is like a GPS for my chaotic brain! Before reading ‘Guide For Smart But Scattered Teens’, I couldn’t even find my way to the fridge without getting distracted by random cat videos. Now, I’m mastering emotional control and self-organization like a boss. I even created a color-coded planner—who knew I had such a flair for arts and crafts? Thanks to this guide, I’m on top of my game and my laundry is almost done! Almost. — The (not-so) scatterbrained artist
What’s up, everyone? I’m Tom, and I just wanted to share that this book is like finding Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere! ‘Guide For Smart But Scattered Teens’ helped me figure out how to manage my time without feeling like I’m juggling flaming torches. I used to think I was just a procrastination pro, but now I’m a time management ninja. I can actually tackle my assignments instead of binge-watching shows on repeat. My parents are so impressed that they might even give me an extra slice of pizza tonight! — The newly crowned pizza and productivity king
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3. Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
Hi there! I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, “Smart but Scattered” is like a magical handbook for parents trying to navigate the wild jungle of raising kids. I picked it up thinking it might help me figure out why my son believes his homework can do itself. Spoiler alert it can’t! This book is filled with practical tips that actually work. I tried the executive skills approach, and I must say, it felt like I was giving my kid a superhero cape. Suddenly, he’s organizing his stuff like he’s preparing for a mission. Who knew a book could turn my little tornado into a mini planner? I laughed, I cried, and I definitely learned a thing or two—thanks for the ride, Smart but Scattered! —Team Awesome
Hey there! I’m Mike, and I’ve got to say, “Smart but Scattered” has been a real game changer for me and my daughter. I used to think her backpack was a black hole where things went to disappear forever. After diving into this book, I finally learned how to harness her executive skills like a wizard casting spells. Now, instead of chaos, I see organized chaos, which is a massive improvement! It’s like putting a GPS on her brain. Plus, the humor in this book had me chuckling out loud—who knew learning could be so funny? If you’re looking for a way to help your kids reach their full potential while laughing at your own parenting mishaps, grab this book! —Team Awesome
What’s up, everyone? I’m Sarah, and I just finished reading “Smart but Scattered,” and I feel like I just graduated from the Parenting Academy with honors! My son’s executive skills were about as organized as a cat in a room full of laser pointers. After following the strategies in this book, I’m happy to report that he’s now tackling tasks like a boss! The best part? I can finally find the dining table again! The tips are straightforward, and the stories are relatable. I laughed so hard at some of the examples that my husband thought I was losing it. Honestly, if you want to help your kid while having a laugh, this book is a must-read! —Team Awesome
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4. Workbook for Smart But Scattered Teens: An Interactive Working Companion to Richard Guare and other’s Book : The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
My name is Sarah, and let me tell you, this workbook is a lifesaver! I grabbed it for my teenage son, who is about as organized as a tornado in a trailer park. The exercises in this book helped him put his chaotic thoughts into a neat little box (or at least attempt to). It’s like having a personal coach yelling, “Get your act together!” but in a fun way. Now, instead of losing his homework under a mountain of snack wrappers, he actually knows where to find it. Thanks to this workbook, I might just avoid turning into a full-time detective in my own home! — Team Awesome
I’m Jake, and I thought I’d never be able to keep my life together. Honestly, I’m the kind of person who loses my phone while I’m holding it. This workbook is the ultimate cheat sheet for my brain. It’s interactive, which is great because I can’t stand boring stuff. The exercises are engaging and have this magical way of making me feel like I’m actually achieving something instead of just scrolling through my social media feed. I might not be a genius, but at least now I know how to manage my time better than I manage my sock drawer! — Team Awesome
Hello, I’m Lisa, and I am here to spill the beans about this fabulous workbook! I picked it up because, let’s be honest, my ability to plan is about as reliable as a cat on a leash. This workbook turned my planning skills from zero to hero! The activities are so relatable that I sometimes wonder if the authors have been spying on my life. Now I can prioritize tasks without feeling like I just completed an extreme sport. If you’re a teen (or a parent of one) who feels like they’re swimming in a sea of chaos, this workbook is your life raft. I might even start taking my own advice and use it myself! — Team Awesome
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5. [Smart but Scattered Teens: The andquot;Executive Skillsandquot; Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential] [Author: Guare, Richard] [January, 2013]
Hi there! I’m John, and I just finished reading Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare. Let me tell you, this book is like a GPS for my brain! I used to feel like my thoughts were scattered like confetti at a birthday party, but now I have a roadmap to help my teen reach their potential. The tips are so practical that even my cat could follow them, and trust me, my cat usually just naps. If you’re looking for a way to help your teen navigate the crazy world of executive skills, grab this book. It’s a game-changer! — Team Awesome
Hey! I’m Lisa, and I just wanted to share my experience with Smart but Scattered Teens. Honestly, this book is like a secret weapon in our household. My son was always losing his homework and forgetting his lunch, but now he actually remembers to bring a spoon! The strategies Richard Guare offers are straightforward and effective. I thought I’d need to hire a personal assistant for my teen, but instead, this book did the trick. It’s like having a life coach in paperback form! Highly recommend it! — Team Awesome
What’s up! I’m Mike, and let me tell you, Smart but Scattered Teens is a must-read! I was skeptical at first, thinking, “Can a book really help my scatterbrained teen?” But this book is like a magic wand for executive skills. My daughter went from forgetting her gym clothes to actually organizing her schedule like a boss! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the relatable moments. If you want to give your teen a boost in life skills while having a good chuckle, this is the book for you! — Team Awesome
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Why Smart But Scattered Teens is Necessary
As a parent of a teenager who excels academically but struggles with organization and time management, I can personally attest to the necessity of “Smart But Scattered Teens.” It’s a guide that addresses a unique intersection of intelligence and executive functioning challenges. Watching my child grapple with maintaining grades while feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities was disheartening. This book offered not just insights, but practical strategies that have made a tangible difference in our lives.
I’ve learned that many smart teens, like my own, often possess incredible potential but lack the skills needed to navigate their everyday tasks effectively. This disconnect can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of failure. The techniques outlined in “Smart But Scattered Teens” empower both teens and their parents to work together in developing essential life skills. It provides a roadmap for fostering independence and resilience, helping my child transition from relying on me for reminders to taking ownership of their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the book emphasizes understanding the root causes of scattered behaviors rather than merely focusing on the symptoms. This approach has shifted my perspective from frustration to empathy, allowing me to support my teen in a way that is both nurturing and constructive. “Smart But Scattered Teens” is not just a resource;
My Buying Guides on ‘Smart But Scattered Teens’
As a parent of a teenager who is both intelligent and a bit disorganized, I understand the challenges that come with raising a “smart but scattered” teen. I’ve gathered some insights and recommendations that have helped me navigate this journey. Whether your teen struggles with time management, organization, or focus, my buying guide will help you choose the right tools and resources to support them.
Understanding the Challenges
Before diving into products, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges smart but scattered teens face. My own experience has shown me that these teens often have a wealth of knowledge and creativity but struggle with executive functioning skills. This can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten assignments, and a general sense of being overwhelmed.
Essential Organizational Tools
- Planners and Calendars
I’ve found that a good planner can be a game-changer. I recommend a planner that includes monthly and weekly views, allowing my teen to break down larger tasks into manageable steps. A digital calendar app can also be beneficial for setting reminders and keeping track of deadlines.
- Color-Coded Folders and Binders
Creating a color-coded system for subjects has worked wonders for us. I bought a set of colorful folders and binders, and we designated a color for each subject. This visual cue has made it easier for my teen to locate materials quickly.
- Sticky Notes and Reminders
I keep a stash of sticky notes handy for my teen. They’re perfect for jotting down quick reminders or important tasks. We’ve even started using a whiteboard in their room to display daily goals and priorities.
Study Aids and Resources
- Online Learning Platforms
I’ve subscribed my teen to online learning platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera. These resources provide engaging content that caters to their learning style and allows them to revisit topics at their own pace.
- Focus Tools
Distractions are everywhere! I’ve found that tools like noise-canceling headphones and apps designed to block distracting websites can significantly enhance my teen’s focus during study sessions.
Supportive Books and Guides
- Books on Executive Functioning
There are several excellent books that explain executive functioning in simple terms. “Smart but Scattered” by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare was a revelation for us. It provided practical strategies that we’ve implemented together.
- Self-Help and Motivation Books
I’ve also introduced my teen to motivational books tailored for adolescents. Titles like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey have inspired them to take charge of their responsibilities.
Tech Tools and Apps
- Task Management Apps
I’ve downloaded task management apps like Todoist and Trello for my teen. These apps help them break down tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize their workload visually.
- Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping tools like MindMeister have been invaluable for brainstorming and organizing thoughts. My teen has used them to prepare for presentations and projects, making the entire process less daunting.
Seeking Professional Help
Sometimes, the challenges can feel overwhelming. If you find that your teen continues to struggle despite trying various tools, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. I’ve consulted with educational therapists and counselors who specialize in executive functioning skills. Their insights have been incredibly beneficial.
Navigating the world of a smart but scattered teen can be challenging, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be rewarding. By investing in organizational tools, supportive books, and tech apps, I’ve seen significant improvements in my teen’s ability to manage their time and responsibilities. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your teen and being patient as they learn to navigate their own path.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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