Executive Functioning In Disguise - EF Summer Time Tips

Who wants to even think about executive functioning in the summer? Not me.

I just want to have fun, play on the beach, read a few good Reese Witherspoon book picks, and grill in my backyard. I need a break from teaching and spring youth sports. Whoever came up with the idea that sports should no longer be seasonal and need to practiced year round needs to go home. We all deserve a break. We made it through what a friend told me is called “Maycember” (the spring version of December).

Pour a glass of wine, grab a book, pull up a beach chair.

But, how can we keep our kids from slipping ENTIRELY before September without killing our summer vibe???

Here are some easy “fun” ways to trick your kids into practicing their EF skills through the summer months…

PLAN Something!

• Beach Day: Let them make the packing list and plan what to bring for snacks and lunch.

• Family Vacation: Involve the whole family in planning the itinerary. What route will you take? What are the most interesting stops?

• Hike: Simple day hikes are ripe for building EF skills. How much time do you have? How far do you want to go? What trails should you take? How much food and water will you need.

Practice SUMMER MINDFULNESS.

• Nature Walk: Take a walk through your local woods. Pay close attention to what you see, hear, and smell. Talk about it as you hike together.

• Beach Yoga: Who doesn’t love a little morning yoga? Add the beach and your kids will be in.

• Outdoor Drawing or Writing: Grab a pen, pencil, or some crayons and a clipboard. Take a walk in your backyard or in your neighborhood. Take time to pause and write or draw.

BUILD Something.

• Garden: Think of all the EF skills needed here. Plan what you will plant, where you will plant it, and learn about each item you will plant. Make a plan for who will water and weed and when.

• Sand Castle: Draw out a blueprint for a sandcastle before you head to the beach. Gather the materials you will need and see if you can execute!

LEARN something new.

• Reading Log: Create a reading log and track what you’ve read and for how long.

• A Musical Instrument: Make a schedule for practicing and hold yourself to it. Set up rewards for small benchmarks of success.

• Summer Cookbook: Plan a new meal that you will try to cook each week. Make a grocery list and follow a recipe.

You’re probably already doing so many of these things. But sometimes labeling them reminds us that we are already doing the work. Emphasize the planning and organizing and involve the kids. They might start to really fall in love with “planning.” Sometimes I do!

Good luck! And happy summer!