When most people hear “executive function,” their minds usually go straight to academics. We envision homework, planners, sitting and listening in class, and those science projects that we as parents often end up doing more of than our children. Did you know that Executive Function skills are about way more than school skills? Executive Function skills are the mental tools we use to manage time, stay organized, control impulses, and solve problems—skills we need in and out of school. We use them to reach our goals, academic and otherwise, by staying focused, pivoting when something gets in the way, persevering through the tough stuff, and not losing our cool when challenged by the unexpected. These skills are critically important for positive life outcomes at all ages, so let’s take a look at some ideas for building Executive Functioning skill-building into all activities, not just academics.
When Is the Best Time to Build Executive Function Skills?
While kids are in school, they are working on academics, which will inherently strengthen Executive Function skills. It’s likely not as fun for kids and might even be stressful. And we, as parents, don’t get to be as involved, or, if we are involved, it’s likely not all that fun for us either! At Beyond BookSmart, we think school breaks, such as summer or winter break, are actually some of the best times to help kids (and ourselves!) grow these skills in a low-pressure, real-life way. Think of it as stealth skill-building. In fact, research shows that for executive function skills to really stick, they need to be strengthened in different settings, including real-life situations. Additionally, when learning executive function skills, children need to see the connection between these skills and skills used in everyday life, such as problem-solving and taking on challenges (Zelazo, Calma-Birming, Galinsky, 2024).
So, beyond what the compelling research says, let’s take a look at why school breaks are our favorites for Executive Function skill development. When school’s out, the pressure’s off for many kids. There is more wiggle room that allows our kids to try new things, possibly fail, try again, experiment, and learn organically. Without grades looming, kids can actually practice these skills in ways that feel meaningful and real. Less busy work, more meaning. Kids also get a chance to learn independence and make autonomous decisions. Learning to trust themselves is an important life skill that goes hand in hand with our Executive Function skills.
Why Non-Academic Activities Are Secretly Supercharged Executive Function Skill Builders
Executive Function skills don’t care if you’re solving algebra or managing a load of laundry—they’re still getting a workout. In fact, sometimes non-academic activities are better for practicing them, because there’s less pressure and more buy-in. In addition, when kids see that their choices and their effort matter for more than grades, they’re more likely to feel motivated, confident, and capable. Whether it’s how they planned a camping trip or how they cooked dinner for the family, they see the direct results of their effort. Real skills developed in the real world!
Our Beyond BookSmart coaches love the active engagement they see with their student-aged clients when working on non-academic activities. In addition to strengthening Executive Function skills, our coaches also find opportunities to reinforce tools and strategies. The tools we use to create systems for tackling tough school work and reaching academic goals are just as effective for the fun stuff. I had a high school client who needed support breaking down the tasks for writing an essay and then planning out those tasks. We used the same tools we used for managing essays to plan how and when she would get ready for the prom. Her prom experience was a success, and she enjoyed the planning process. It was familiar to her, and now she was able to reinforce the use of it while planning something more fun than writing an essay! When she used the same tool the next time for academic purposes, she’d have additional confirmation that the tool is worth her time.
What Non-Academic Activities Help Build Executive Function Skills?
Many non-academic activities for students support executive function skill development, such as cooking, art projects, team sports, music practice, role-playing games, and hands-on building or crafting activities. Let’s dig into three specific examples that show the benefits of non-academic activities on Executive Function skill development. While reading this section, you might think of some non-academic activities that your child or family enjoys that would also help strengthen their Executive Function skills.
Cooking a Meal
You might imagine cooking with kids as chaos in the kitchen, but with the right tools and strategies, the kitchen can become a true EF classroom.
- Planning meals = Flexible thinking, time management, + planning
- Measuring ingredients = Working memory, attention, + math (shhh, don’t tell them)
- Having everything ready at once = Task initiation, prioritizing + organization
→Try this: Plan a weekend dinner with your child. Have them choose the meal, write the grocery list, and help cook. Bonus points if they help clean up!
Planning a Day Trip
Even if you’re just taking a road trip to Grandma’s house or heading into the city for the day, trip planning is full of Executive Function skill learning moments. Younger children can help make the plan and older children can be put in charge of it entirely! Give them a budget, and you add in another opportunity to learn.
- Choosing location and date = Planning, prioritizing + attention
- Comparing routes and activities = Prioritizing, organization, + task initiation
- Making an itinerary = organizing, time management, + memory
→Try this: Give your child a chance to design a “perfect day” itinerary for a family outing. Let them research options, budget time, and manage their emotions when things might not go as planned (like realizing the ice cream place is closed on Mondays).
Organizing an Event
Planning a birthday party, family picnic, or even a themed movie night offers multiple opportunities to build Executive Function skills, and it’s all for a fun reason! My teenage daughter planned her entire birthday party, including calling the restaurant to find out how many people each dish feeds. This was a great experience for her and gave her multiple opportunities to strengthen Executive Function skills and practice some independence and autonomy.
- Budgeting = prioritizing, planning + self-regulation
- Coordinating with people = flexible thinking, organization, + attention
- Executing the plan = task initiation, self-regulation, and memory
→Try this: If your child is young, put them in charge of one event element, like decorations or games, and walk them through the steps, cheering them on along the way. If they’re older and up for the challenge, have them plan the entire thing, providing support as needed.
Parents are Busy! Kids are Resistant! Want Some Extra Support?
If you’re thinking, “This sounds awesome but my kid still avoids emptying the dishwasher like the plague,” or “I’d love to cook with my child, but I barely have time to order pizza”, you’re not alone. Executive function coaching can help bridge the gap between everyday moments and deeper skill development by giving parents a moment to breathe and providing support to a child who might resist that same support from a parent. Coaches help kids connect the dots, build habits, and reflect on what’s working and what’s not without the usual parent-child power struggle. Now your summer fun can double as summer growth.
So whether your child is flipping pancakes, building a playlist for the family road trip, or organizing their own birthday party, they’re building life skills that’ll take them beyond the classroom and into a future of success! Use this summer break to sprinkle in opportunities for independence, choice, and learning. (And maybe sneak in a few life hacks for yourself while you’re at it - our tools and strategies work well for adults, too!)
Want help along the way? Here’s where you can learn more about our Beyond BookSmart coaching services.
