Ah, summer in Canada: late sunsets, sticky popsicles, and no more school lunches (hallelujah!).
But while your family takes a much-needed breather, your child’s executive functioning skills might also be slipping into vacation mode.
Here’s the deal: kids can lose up to 40% of learning gains over summer break — especially when it comes to essential skills like time management, organization, memory, and focus. For neurodivergent learners or kids with ADHD, the gap can be even larger.
That said, we’re not here to guilt you into flashcards at the beach. Yuck. Instead, let’s sneak in some brain-boosting life skills — the kind that build independence and confidence — through real-world fun.
🧩 What Are Executive Functioning Skills, Anyway?
Think of them as the brain’s “manager tools” — like a mental GPS that helps us plan, organize, start tasks, stick with them, and regulate emotions.
Most adults forget that they learned these skills over time (and often the hard way). Kids? They need practice and guidance.
And kids with ADHD? Their brains are still catching up — often developing these skills 30% behind their ‘neuro-typical’ peers. That can look like messy rooms, forgotten homework, big emotions, and stress at school… and home.
Here’s the good news:
🧠 These skills CAN be taught.
🎯 They CAN be strengthened — at any age.
🌱 And summer is the perfect time to start.
☀️ 6 Summer Brain-Boosting Ideas (That Feel Nothing Like School)
1. Let Them Run the Show
Have your child plan a family BBQ, beach day, or get-together. They’ll have to organize details, manage a budget, communicate with guests, and problem-solve — all real-life executive function training!
2. Get Moving (with a Mission)
Give your child control of travel plans for a day: transit maps, airport logistics, even just planning a bike route across town. Independence + planning = EF win.
3. Declutter and Reboot
Rainy day? Perfect. Turn their homework zone into a stress-free space. Let them lead the makeover: file old work, reorganize supplies, and make it their own.
4. Turn Reading Into a Party
Got a reluctant reader? Try audiobooks (we love Audible) and follow along with the physical book. Or start a family book club with snacks and cozy vibes.
5. Dive into a Passion Project
Encourage your child to geek out on something they love: rockets, reptiles, rock climbing, whatever. Visit museums, build models, or create a family “gallery night” to show off what they learned.
6. Tidy the Tech
Summer is a great time to organize digital files, emails, and downloads. Set a timer and do 15-minute “digital detoxes” together to sort, unsubscribe, and clear the clutter.
🎯 Bonus Strategy: Let Someone Else Coach the Brain This Summer
Want your child to build independence, boost confidence, and keep momentum going — without you having to play brain coach?
That’s where we come in.
📦 The Brain Hub Academy at Home is a flexible, family-friendly ADHD coaching program that builds executive functioning skills in just one hour per week.
✅ Fun, real-world challenges
✅ Easy-to-follow mini lessons
✅ No worksheets, no battles
✅ Lifetime access
Whether your child struggles with focus, frustration, or forgetfulness, we easily help turn summer into a season of growth without even entering a classroom!
💚 Kaizen Families? You get 50% off. Email us for your code!
🎁 Want Something to Start With Today?
Download our free Summer Executive Skills Cheat Sheet — a colorful, no-fluff guide packed with fun ideas to sneak skill-building into everyday activities (yes, even while you’re barbecuing or planning a road trip).
💬 Final Thought from Sam
Executive functioning isn’t just for school. It’s the key to managing life — and the earlier we help kids build these tools, the better they thrive.
This summer, take a break — but not from building brains.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.
Stay brainy,
