Would you rather sort digital files or make dinner?
Summer break offers a great opportunity to build executive function skills in a low-stress environment. Executive function includes a set of mental skills, including planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and flexibility, that are essential for learning and living.
With the right strategies and encouragement, middle and high school students can use the summer months to sharpen these skills and prepare for a strong school year ahead. The launching years with teenage children are the perfect time to teach them to cope with the challenges around them.
Let’s explore five key areas of executive function and practical at-home suggestions to support growth in each.
1. Planning
Setting goals and figuring out steps to achieve them.
Without a plan, summer can slip away. Older students can benefit from helping to structure their time, balancing responsibilities, and relaxing.
At-Home Ideas:
- Weekly Goal-Setting Journal: Encourage your child to write two or three goals each week and identify action steps for each. Reflect on progress every Sunday. In the beginning, this may take more input from parents or tutors.
- Summer Project Plan: Choose a summer-long project (learning an instrument, planning a small business*, organizing a room) and break it into weekly tasks.
Resource: https://tailorjoy.com/10-life-skills-for-the-launching-years/ and *Simple Business Plan for Teens (coming soon!)
2. Organization
Keeping materials, spaces, and thoughts in order.
Organization isn’t just about neat notebooks, it’s a life skill that supports clear thinking and task completion.
At-Home Ideas:
- Declutter Challenge: Pick one area each week (desk, backpack, closet) to clean and organize together. Discuss what to keep, toss, or donate.
- Digital File Management: Have your teen sort and label files on their computer or cloud drive—especially schoolwork, photos, or creative projects.
Resource: https://tailorjoy.com/quick-cleaning-tips/
3. Time Management
Using time wisely to complete tasks.
Learning to manage time during a less-structured summer sets students up for success in the fall as they build executive function skills.
At-Home Ideas:
- Daily Routines: Create a simple daily schedule that includes wake-up/bedtime, screen-free blocks, chore time, and free time.
- Personal Timer Challenges: Use a timer to complete tasks like cleaning, reading, or working out. Discuss how long things really take and how to adjust time estimates.
4. Emotional Regulation
Staying calm, focused, and in control under pressure.
Summer has its own emotional rhythms. Teaching emotional regulation helps teens recognize feelings and respond wisely.
At-Home Ideas:
- Open Communication: Regularly check in with your teen and encourage them to share their thoughts and emotions while you actively listen. Restrain from offering constructive criticism, judgment, or solutions during this time.
- Mindfulness Practice: Introduce a short daily breathing exercise, stretching routine, or quiet journaling time to help center emotions.
5. Flexibility
Adapting to new situations and solving unexpected problems.
Summer offers plenty of chances to practice flexible thinking, especially in new or unstructured situations.
At-Home Ideas:
- Plan a Family Meal: Let your teen plan and prep a dinner. When unexpected challenges arise (missing ingredients, time crunch), help them adapt.
- “What If” Game: Take turns posing scenarios (“What if we got lost at the amusement park?”) and brainstorm multiple solutions together.
Resource: https://tailorjoy.com/executive-function-activities-for-students/
Why Building Executive Function Skills Matters
Executive function skills don’t just support academic success, they build independence, confidence, and resilience. While every student is different, small, consistent efforts add up. Celebrate the progress, no matter how tiny it may seem, as you watch your teen build executive function skills.
Want More Academic Focus?
Enroll your child in our summer tutoring course: Executive Function Skills (Grades 6–College). We’ll assess strengths and challenges, then focus on time management, organization, flexible thinking, and academic strategies to start the school year strong.
Resource: https://tailorjoy.com/tutoring/
Follow for Weekly Tips
Every Sunday, we share a Building Blocks tip on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to help you strengthen foundational skills at home. Follow Tailor Joy on your favorite platform, mark your calendar, and use the weekly tips as a simple way to stay on track all summer long!
Table Talk: Which executive function skill is your strength? What if you got lost in your teen’s high school during open house night?