Your child’s EF skills need practice. (Maybe yours, too?)

One of the most effective ways to build executive function skills is to put them into practice. Here’s a rainy day activity to boost your child’s skills. Choose a small, meaningful project your child can take the lead on, from planning to execution. The task itself doesn’t need to be big; what matters is that it’s theirs to manage. 

Here are a few ideas to help spark some creative thinking:
 

1. Organize and display a favorite collection (like rocks, cards, or LEGO sets)
2. Create a new system for storing sports gear or art supplies
3. Assemble a family summer photo album (digital or print)
4. Plan a themed dinner night (Taco Tuesday, Breakfast for Dinner, etc.)
5. Declutter and donate old books, toys, or clothes
6. Put together a care package for a friend or relative
7. Reorganize the kitchen junk drawer or pantry (use a label maker!)

With you as a supportive guide, they’ll practice key skills like organization, planning, time management, and follow-through in a real-world, low-pressure way. These are skills they’ll carry with them into the new school year.