Activities That Support Executive Functioning
Written By: Dr.Layne Raskin
Have you ever wondered why some kids seem to handle routines, problem-solving, and self-control with ease, while others struggle? The answer often lies in executive functioning—the brain’s ability to plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. These skills don’t just develop on their own; they grow through practice.
The best part? You don’t need worksheets or formal lessons to help your child strengthen executive functioning. Everyday activities like cooking, art, and sports provide natural, hands-on ways to boost planning, organization, impulse control, and flexible thinking—all while having fun!
In this post, we’ll explore simple, engaging activities that support executive functioning and offer practical tips to help your child build these essential life skills. Let’s dive in!
Cooking: A Recipe for Building Executive Functioning
Cooking is more than just a life skill—it’s a fun and natural way to strengthen executive functioning in kids. Whether they’re following a recipe, measuring ingredients, or managing time, cooking engages key brain processes like planning, working memory, attention, and impulse control. Plus, the reward at the end (a delicious meal or treat!) keeps kids motivated.
How Cooking Supports Executive Functioning
Planning & Organization – Kids must gather ingredients, follow steps in order, and think ahead about what comes next.
Working Memory – Remembering recipe instructions and measuring amounts strengthens cognitive skills.
Self-Regulation & Patience – Waiting for dough to rise or resisting the urge to touch a hot pan builds impulse control.
Flexible Thinking – When a recipe doesn’t go as planned, kids learn to adapt and problem-solve.
Fun Cooking Activities to Try
"Follow the Recipe" Challenge – Choose a simple dish and have kids read and follow the steps. Younger kids can help measure and mix, while older kids can take the lead.
"Mystery Basket" Game – Give kids a few surprise ingredients and challenge them to create something edible, encouraging problem-solving and flexible thinking.
Baking with Timers – Have kids manage multiple steps, such as preheating the oven, setting a timer, and checking for doneness—all of which reinforce time management and task-switching.
How to Adjust for Different Ages
Younger kids: Use picture-based recipes, let them stir and pour, and guide them through each step.
Older kids: Encourage them to plan a full meal, write a shopping list, and manage cooking times on their own. They can even shop within a budget!
Cooking isn’t just about making food—it’s about building confidence, independence, and real-world problem-solving skills. So next time you’re in the kitchen, invite your child to join in. They’ll be sharpening their executive functioning skills without even realizing it!
Art: Creativity Meets Cognitive Skills
Art isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s a powerful way to strengthen executive functioning skills like problem-solving, flexible thinking, working memory, and self-regulation. Whether kids are following steps to complete a drawing, planning a sculpture, or figuring out how to mix colors, they’re practicing important brain skills in a creative, low-pressure way.
How Art Supports Executive Functioning
Planning & Organization – Deciding what to create, gathering materials, and thinking through the steps.
Working Memory – Remembering instructions, visualizing ideas, and holding information in mind while creating.
Cognitive Flexibility – Adjusting when something doesn’t go as planned, like changing a design when paint smudges.
Impulse Control & Focus – Taking time to complete a project and resisting the urge to rush or give up.
Fun Art Activities to Try
Step-by-Step Drawing – Have kids follow a guided drawing tutorial, strengthening working memory and sequencing skills.
Collage Storytelling – Cut out images from magazines and arrange them into a visual story, encouraging planning and creativity.
How to Adjust for Different Ages
Younger kids: Offer structured activities with simple steps (e.g., “Draw a house using these three shapes”).
Older kids: Encourage independent projects that require planning, like designing a mural or storyboard for a comic.
Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about problem-solving, experimenting, and thinking outside the box. By engaging in creative activities, kids naturally strengthen the same cognitive skills they need for school, social situations, and everyday life!
Sports: Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection
Sports do more than keep kids active—they play a key role in developing executive functioning skills like impulse control, focus, strategic thinking, and emotional regulation. Whether playing a team sport, practicing yoga, or running an obstacle course, kids must plan, adapt, and stay mentally engaged, all while moving their bodies.
How Sports Support Executive Functioning
Self-Regulation & Impulse Control – Learning to wait for a turn, follow rules, and manage frustration during competition.
Focus & Attention – Staying engaged in a game, tracking the ball, and listening to a coach’s instructions.
Cognitive Flexibility – Adjusting strategies in real time, whether dodging a defender or finding a new way to score.
Planning & Decision-Making – Anticipating moves in a game, making quick choices, and thinking a few steps ahead.
Fun Sports & Movement Activities to Try
Obstacle Courses – Have kids plan and complete a series of physical challenges, promoting cognitive flexibility and sequencing.
Team Sports & Strategy Games – Games like soccer or basketball teach kids how to think ahead, work with others, and regulate emotions.
Mindful Movement (Yoga, Martial Arts, Dance) – Activities that emphasize balance, coordination, and breath control help with focus and self-regulation.
How to Adjust for Different Ages
Younger kids: Simple movement games like “Simon Says” help build listening and impulse control skills.
Older kids: Encourage sports that require planning and adaptability, like chess boxing (yes, that’s a real thing!) or multi-step dance routines.
Sports help kids build not just strength and coordination, but also resilience, focus, and problem-solving skills—all essential for success in school and life!
Everyday Activities That Strengthen Executive Functioning
Executive functioning isn’t just built through structured activities—it’s developed in the small, everyday moments of childhood. From following routines to playing games or helping around the house, kids are constantly practicing skills like planning, organization, impulse control, and flexible thinking without even realizing it.
1. Routine
Take something as simple as getting ready in the morning. A child who follows a routine—brushing their teeth, getting dressed, packing their backpack—is engaging in a sequence of tasks that require memory, time management, and self-regulation. The more they practice, the more independent they become in handling these daily responsibilities.
2. Play
Play is another natural way for kids to strengthen executive functioning. Board games that require turn-taking and strategy help develop patience and problem-solving, while imaginative play encourages flexible thinking. Even something as classic as “Red Light, Green Light” teaches kids impulse control as they learn to stop and start on command.
3. Responsibilities
Household responsibilities also provide valuable learning opportunities. When children help set the table, sort laundry, or follow a simple checklist to clean up their toys, they’re learning how to break tasks into steps, stay organized, and manage time. These small responsibilities build independence and confidence while reinforcing important cognitive skills.
4. Storytelling
Even storytelling can be a powerful tool for executive functioning. When kids create their own stories—whether through pretend play, drawing, or journaling—they practice working memory, organization, and problem-solving. Asking them to recall details from their day or come up with a different ending to a familiar story encourages them to think critically and adapt their ideas.
The beauty of executive functioning development is that it happens in real-life moments, not just structured lessons. By encouraging independence, patience, and problem-solving in daily activities, parents can help their children build essential skills that will serve them far beyond childhood.
Tips for Parents: Supporting Executive Functioning at Home
Helping kids strengthen their executive functioning doesn’t require fancy programs or extra homework. In fact, the best way to build these skills is through everyday interactions, routines, and a little bit of patience. Whether it’s guiding them through a morning routine, encouraging them to problem-solve, or simply modeling how to stay organized, small moments add up to big growth.
Simplifying Processes
One of the simplest ways to support executive functioning is by breaking tasks into smaller steps. Big, multi-step tasks—like cleaning a bedroom or completing a school project—can feel overwhelming. Instead of saying, “Clean your room,” try, “First, pick up all the clothes. Then, put the books on the shelf.” This helps kids develop planning skills and keeps them from feeling stuck.
Utilizing Visual Tools
Using visual tools like checklists, timers, and calendars can also make a big difference. Many kids benefit from seeing what’s expected of them rather than just hearing it. A simple morning routine chart, a timer for transitions, or a family calendar to track activities can help kids stay on track and build independence.
Encouraging Self-Reflection
Encouraging self-reflection is another powerful way to strengthen executive functioning. Instead of jumping in to fix things when they struggle, ask guiding questions: “What’s your plan for getting this done?” or “What could you try differently next time?” This helps kids develop their own problem-solving strategies and builds confidence in their ability to manage tasks.
Effort over Results
Most importantly, praise effort over results. Executive functioning takes time to develop, and kids will make mistakes along the way. Recognizing their effort—whether it’s sticking with a tough puzzle or remembering to pack their school bag—helps reinforce the behaviors you want to see. With time, practice, and plenty of encouragement, kids will build the skills they need to manage life’s challenges with confidence.
Conclusion: Building Executive Functioning, One Activity at a Time
Executive functioning skills don’t develop overnight, but the good news is that kids strengthen them through everyday activities, play, and real-life experiences. Whether they’re cooking a meal, creating art, playing sports, or simply following a daily routine, these moments help build the brain’s ability to plan, focus, adapt, and regulate emotions.
As parents, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. By providing opportunities for independence, problem-solving, and self-reflection, we give kids the tools they need to navigate challenges with confidence. So the next time your child is measuring ingredients, strategizing in a game, or figuring out how to clean up a messy art project, remember: they’re not just having fun—they’re building skills that will serve them for life.
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