Supporting Executive Functions

By Kelly Patten
 

Every morning, like clockwork, my three-year-old daughter rolls over and immediately asks what she’s eating at school today. I’ve barely opened my eyes and off we go to review the calendar posted on our fridge. “What’s for snack today? Am I swimming today? Are there pancakes today?” Reviewing her school schedule each morning sets the tone for a smoother departure and a less chaotic morning.
 

Executive functions

As adults, we don’t think twice about using calendars, schedules, timers, and various other behavioral supports to integrate executive functions into our busy lives. However, children need time, support, and encouragement to develop these essential skills.  

According to the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, executive functions are defined as a set of cognitive abilities that “enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully” (1). Executive functions include organization and planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, working memory, cognitive flexibility, metacognition, and perseverance.

Children are not born with executive functions, but they are an essential part of healthy social, emotional, and academic development. Schools and teachers provide an important cornerstone in executive function development; however, come summer vacation, the routine and structure that many children thrive on goes out the window. So what can we do as parents? 

Use visual schedules and checklists

Just like adults, children love a routine. During the summer break, setting up a routine for the family can help everyone have a smoother day. Schedules help us to stay organized and encourage cognitive flexibility when it comes to transitions. Create your daily or weekly schedule with your child and hang it in a high-traffic location like on the fridge or in the living room.

Some children (and caregivers!) might benefit from breaking down each task. For example: at 7am we wake up; at 7:30am we eat breakfast; at 8am we get dressed and brush our teeth; and so on. A fun way to engage younger kids with a schedule is by using markers or task cards with Velcro attached to show when a task is complete.

Checklists are another great way to help your child with task initiation and time management. Consider creating a weekly checklist with a mix of chores and fun activities. Water the plants—check! Go to the pool—check! You might also pick a theme for the day or week. Read a book about bugs—check! Look for bugs at the park—check! 
 

Play games

This might seem obvious, but both board games and pretend play help children to develop their working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. When you play a game, children need to remember a set of basic rules. They need to take turns and begin planning and problem solving. Games like memory, UNO, and Jenga all give your child a chance to practice and develop their executive functions.
 

Use a timer

My three-year-old loves to procrastinate and task initiation is not currently her strong suit. I’m sure she gets it from me—this article was definitely due yesterday! We currently use an app called Little Timer to help her transition between activities and manage our time. The app has cute visuals and fun songs that are usually quite motivating. Timers can be used for a wide range of behaviors, including both initiating a task like putting on shoes or brushing teeth, and ending a task like switching off when screen time is over or getting out of the pool.

The summer break comes with a wide range of emotions for both kids and adults. Traveling, visiting family abroad, and playing with friends are all fun and exciting on the surface, but they can also feel stressful and overwhelming at times. As you prepare for summer, consider taking time to explore and understand executive functions and how to integrate the development of these skills into your family routine.  

References

1. Harvard University Center on the Developing Child (2024) Executive Function & Self-Regulation. developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/ 

About the Author

Kelly is currently a stay-at-home mom who has lived in Bangkok for over seven years. She previously worked as a primary educator and literacy specialist. Kelly loves reading fiction books, listening to podcasts, and exploring Thailand with her family.