In one embodiment, a method comprises: generating and storing, by a parent device in a low power lossy network (LLN), first state variables associated with a first execution state of an attached child during an active state of the child; determining a request, received by the parent device, is destined for the child and specifying a second execution state to be executed by the child; selectively updating, by the parent device, the first state variables with second state variables associated with the second execution state identifying an updated execution state for the child; detecting, by the parent device, that the child has transitioned from a sleep state to a second active state, and in response generating an instruction based on the second state variables; and transmitting the instruction to the child during the second active state, causing the child to execute the second execution state.