Real-world opportunities to practice executive function skills

The summer provides many real-world opportunities to strengthen executive function skills. One of the best and most fun ways is to have your child plan a day trip from beginning to end. He will need to brainstorm and research ideas for a destination, figure out distance and cost, determine timing of departure and return, and mode of transport. He can also figure out where you’ll eat lunch and what you’ll do when you’re there. By giving your child the reins you’ll not only be giving him an opportunity to practice his executive function skills in a useful, practical and fun way, but as a bonus you’ll be boosting his self-confidence and helping him become more independent and resourceful.