Boost Your Child’s Executive Function Skills This Summer (Without the Power Struggles)

Summer is here—and for many parents of upper elementary and middle schoolers, that means juggling vacation fun with summer reading logs, household chores, and the ever-present battle over screen time. If you’ve got a child in 3rd through 9th grade, you’re probably familiar with the classic summer struggle: getting them to do anything that doesn't involve a screen.

The good news? Summer is actually the perfect time to strengthen your child’s executive function skills—the thinking skills that help them plan, stay organized, manage time, and become more independent. And no, it doesn’t have to feel like a second job for you.

Here’s how to support executive function growth in simple, doable ways—using tips inspired by the 360 Thinking™ model from Cognitive Connections.

What Are Executive Function Skills, Anyway?

Executive function skills are the mental tools that help us manage our daily lives: planning, prioritizing, organizing, self-monitoring, and flexible problem-solving. For students, these skills are critical for success in school and life.

Over the summer, when structure fades, these skills can either slide or soar. With the right approach, you can help your child develop habits that last throughout the school year.

1. Start With a Visual Summer Plan

Instead of constantly reminding (or nagging) your child to read or finish their math packet, shift the power: help them see the big picture.

Try This: Sit down together and draw or sketch what the finished summer work looks like—a completed book, a filled-out packet, a project ready to go. Then, map out the steps backwards on a simple monthly calendar. Breaking big tasks into smaller weekly goals makes it feel less overwhelming.

Why It Works: When kids can visualize the end goal and the steps to get there, they’re more likely to take ownership and follow through.

2. Build a Predictable (but Flexible) Summer Routine

We get it—summer should feel relaxed. But that doesn’t mean routines go out the window. A loose structure helps kids anticipate their day and balance responsibilities with downtime.

Include These in Your Child’s Day:

• Unplugged time (books, games, crafts, outdoor play)

• Self-care tasks (showers, brushing teeth, organizing their space)

• Outings or social time (bike rides, trips, family activities)

• Screen time (in planned blocks—not all day)

Pro Tip: Sketch how they hope to feel at the end of the summer when they have had opportunities to chill and have fun. Brainstorm a list of activities they can do independently, with friends, or with family members over the summer. Post a simple daily schedule (like the samples attached) in a visible location. Let your child help create it to increase buy-in.

3. Let Them Replan and Reflect

Summer plans don’t always go smoothly—and that’s okay. Encourage your child to pause weekly and ask:

• "How is my plan going?"

• "What do I need to adjust?"

Teach them that replanning isn’t failing—it’s smart problem-solving. These check-ins can happen over a smoothie run, in the car, or even during a casual dinner conversation.

4. Chores Are Executive Function Gold

Want your child to practice independence, sequencing, time management, and task initiation all at once? Give them chores. Seriously.

But instead of saying “Go clean your room,” try Job Talk. This powerful language strategy helps kids envision themselves playing a role, not just completing a task. It taps into their sense of identity and builds confidence.

How to Use Job Talk at Home:

• Replace commands with identity-based roles. Say, “Be a laundry boss” instead of “Fold your clothes,” or “Be a counter wiper” instead of “Wipe the counter.”

• Encourage ownership with titles: “You’re our dish stacker today,” “You’re the organizer of the entryway,” or “Time to be the plant waterer.”

• Invite them to imagine what that “job” looks like: What does a recycling collector do? What would a pet-care pro remember?

Why It Works: Job Talk activates your child’s imagination and episodic memory. Instead of pulling steps from a list, they recall how someone in that role would think and act—making it easier and more natural to carry out tasks.

Bonus Tip: Link chores to natural consequences (“When the kitchen’s clean, we can bake cookies”) and celebrate the role they played, not just the result. “You were such a focused fridge organizer today!”

5. Use Tech Wisely

Screens aren’t the enemy—but letting them take over isn’t helping your child’s brain grow either.

Smart Screen Strategies:

• Designate “screen-free” hours each day.

• Require completion of a “Daily 3” first: one chore, one brain task (like reading or journaling), and one physical activity.

• Encourage creative screen time (like coding or video editing) over passive scrolling.

Final Thoughts: Independence Is Built One Summer Day at a Time

Helping your child grow their executive function skills over the summer doesn’t require constant supervision. It’s about offering structure, choice, and reflection in small, manageable ways. If you think your child would benefit from working with an executive function coach this summer to support their planning of home tasks, routines, and summer work, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can complete a Request for Client Services form on our website.

By incorporating visual planning, routines, chores, and meaningful conversations into your summer rhythm at home, you’ll not only ease the daily stress, you’ll empower your child to start the next school year with stronger skills and more confidence.

So go ahead—embrace a summer that supports independence, balance, and growth. And yes, there’s still plenty of room for fun!

Ready to Get Started?

Download summer planning.

or learn more about the 360 Thinking™ approach at www.efpractice.com.