Objective: This study examined the mediating effect of executive function difficulty on the relationship between maternal reactions to negative emotional expressions, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors among children. Methods: For analysis purposes, 709 data points were gathered from 5th and 6th grade children. In order to examine the mediating effects, Hayes’ parallel multi-mediation model of the Process macro was used. Results: First, as a result of the correlation analysis, the emotional coaching response showed significant and negative correlations with internalizing and externalizing behaviors and executive function difficulties. Hypersensitivity and emotional reduction responses showed a positive and significant correlation with internalizing and externalizing behaviors and executive function difficulties. There were significant correlations between executive function difficulties and problem behaviors. Second, as in the case of internalizing behaviors, indirect effects through planning and organizational and emotional control difficulties were found to be significant. In terms of externalizing behaviors, indirect effects through difficulty in controlling behavior and difficulty in controlling emotions were found to be significant. Conclusions: This study could be used to develop programs for preventing and reducing problem behaviors, as well as finding appropriate intervention methods according to types of problem behaviors apparent in childhood.