At-Home Activities for My Child with Executive Functioning Disorder
At-Home Activities for My Child with Executive Functioning Disorder
As a parent of a child with Executive Functioning Disorder (EFD), you know how challenging it can be to support your child's development of critical skills like organization, time management, focus, and impulse control. These skills are essential for academic success, social interactions, and independent living, but children with EFD often struggle to develop them in the same way as their peers.
The good news is that there are several fun and engaging at-home activities you can do to help your child improve their executive functioning skills. Here are some practical ideas to make learning these skills enjoyable and effective.
1. Create a Visual Schedule
One of the hallmarks of executive functioning difficulties is trouble with time management and organization. A visual schedule can help your child understand what to expect throughout the day, which can reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Activity Idea: Use a whiteboard or large calendar to create a daily schedule with pictures or icons that represent each activity. For example, a picture of a toothbrush can indicate brushing teeth, and a picture of a book can signal reading time. Having a visual representation allows your child to anticipate transitions and feel more in control of their routine. Make sure to include short breaks between activities, as children with EFD often need time to reset.
2. Time Management with a Timer
Children with executive functioning challenges often struggle with managing time and completing tasks within a specific timeframe. One of the best ways to improve this skill is through the use of a timer.
Activity Idea: Set a timer for various activities, such as homework, cleaning up toys, or getting dressed. Encourage your child to try to finish each task before the timer goes off. Start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the time as they improve. You can make it a fun game by offering small rewards for completing tasks within the designated time.
3. Board Games That Foster Planning and Strategy
Board games are a great way to practice executive functioning skills like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving in a low-pressure setting. The structure of many games requires children to think ahead, stay focused, and manage impulses.
Activity Idea: Choose games that involve strategy and turn-taking, such as Chess, Checkers, Connect 4, or Monopoly. These games help improve planning, organization, and working memory. If your child finds some games too complex, opt for simpler ones like Uno or Memory to start, gradually building up to more challenging ones.
4. Use a Reward System for Task Completion
Children with executive functioning difficulties often need motivation and structure to complete tasks. A reward system can provide positive reinforcement for completing tasks and help encourage consistent progress.
Activity Idea: Create a "task chart" where your child earns a sticker or token for each completed task. For example, after finishing a homework assignment, your child could earn a sticker. Once they accumulate a certain number of stickers, they can exchange them for a reward—perhaps a favorite activity or a small toy. This system not only reinforces task completion but also teaches delayed gratification.
5. Incorporate Movement Breaks
Many children with EFD have difficulty sitting still for long periods. Movement is a natural way to release pent-up energy, improve focus, and reset the brain for the next task. Integrating movement into your child's daily routine can support their ability to self-regulate and stay engaged.
Activity Idea: Take “brain breaks” throughout the day. Set aside 5-10 minutes to engage in physical activities like jumping jacks, dancing, or an obstacle course. You could also try some calming activities like stretching or yoga. The key is to ensure that breaks are frequent enough to help your child stay focused but not so frequent that they interrupt the flow of important tasks.
6. Practice Organizational Skills with Sorting Games
Executive functioning involves the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage items and information. Sorting games are an excellent way to improve these skills while having fun.
Activity Idea: Create sorting activities with everyday household items. For example, you could have your child sort laundry by color or type, organize books by size or genre, or sort toys into categories. This will help your child practice organizing materials and thinking systematically. You can also challenge them by setting a time limit to see how quickly they can complete the task.
7. Modeling and Role-Playing Social Situations
Children with EFD sometimes struggle with social interactions because they have difficulty understanding social cues, controlling impulses, or staying on topic during conversations. Role-playing can help them practice these skills in a safe, controlled environment.
Activity Idea: Engage in role-playing exercises with your child, acting out common social scenarios like introducing themselves, asking for help, or handling a disagreement with a peer. Provide guidance on appropriate social behaviors, such as waiting their turn, listening actively, and using polite language. You can also model how to manage frustration or disappointment when things don’t go as planned.
8. Mindfulness and Relaxation Activities
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate executive functioning challenges, making it harder for children to regulate their emotions and focus on tasks. Mindfulness practices can help improve emotional regulation and concentration.
Activity Idea: Try simple mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided visualization. You could even do a short 5-minute meditation session together. Apps like Headspace and Calm have kid-friendly versions designed to help children learn how to manage their emotions and calm their minds. Over time, these practices can support your child's ability to focus and manage stress.
9. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
A common difficulty for children with executive functioning issues is completing larger tasks. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps helps reduce overwhelm and makes it easier to stay on track.
Activity Idea: For a project or chore, break it down into clear, sequential steps. For example, if your child needs to clean their room, break it down into smaller tasks like:
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Pick up all the dirty clothes.
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Make the bed.
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Put books back on the shelf.
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Vacuum the floor.
You can also create a checklist where your child checks off each completed task, giving them a sense of accomplishment and helping them stay organized.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a child with Executive Functioning Disorder can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that small, consistent steps can make a big difference over time. By engaging in these activities at home, you can help your child develop essential skills like organization, time management, focus, and emotional regulation—all while having fun together.
The key is to keep the activities light and engaging, while also providing structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement. With your support, your child can learn how to navigate the challenges of executive functioning and build confidence in their abilities.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Stay patient, be consistent, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
Programs Supporting Executive Functioning at Spring Valley School (Birmingham, AL)
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Study Skills at SVS involves faculty aiding students in estimating a timeframe for assignment completion, fine-tuning time management techniques, and finding a planner layout - all with the individual learner in mind.
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The goals of Occupational Therapy range from refined fine motor skills to basic grooming skills (such as tying shoes) to advanced skills (such as handwriting and typing).
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Speech-Language Pathologists work with students of all ages. SLPs assess, diagnose, and treat many types of communication problems.