The #1 Executive Function skill that SHOULD be used over Summer Break?

Parents and teachers, you might like this too. As far as executive function is concerned—if you’ve got an elementary, middle school, high school kid, or even a college kid—should you worry about executive function during summer break?

The answer is yes, but I’ll explain why and what you should do. By the end of this video, you’re going to know what I think is the number one most important executive skill to focus on over summer break, why it matters, and how to support your child. Teachers will also get some ideas for working with students.

But this is mainly for parents.

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So, should you worry about executive function over summer break? Yes.

What does that mean?

Executive function, as you may know if you follow my work—my name is Seth Perler, by the way—I’m an executive function coach and I help struggling students navigate education so they can have a good life.

Executive function is how the prefrontal cortex (the front part of your child’s brain, and yours, and mine) helps us get things done.

If your child struggles to get important things done—like homework, studying, turning in assignments, writing papers, or completing responsibilities—but has no problem with video games, social media, friends, sports, or art, then that’s an executive function challenge.

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So executive function is about how the brain helps us get important things done.

It’s more complex than that, but for this video, that definition is enough.

Now the question is: should we work on this over the summer?

Yes.

The brain is still working. It’s like a muscle—use it or lose it. The brain isn’t literally a muscle, but the principle applies.

We want kids to keep practicing executive function skills during the summer. Not everything, but enough so they maintain and build skills before school starts again in the fall.

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Today, I’m going to focus on one main idea—the most important and probably easiest thing you can do:

Planning.

If you do just one thing this summer to support executive function, it should be helping your child engage in consistent planning.

Here are 10 tips to help with that.

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1. Make it visual (very important)

Everything should be visual. Visual, visual, visual.

Use:

– Google Calendar (shared)
– Wall calendars
– Large printed monthly calendars
– Weekly planners
– Daily planning tools (sticky notes, whiteboards, index cards)

The key is: make time visible.

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2. Make it age-appropriate

For younger kids:

– Use pictures, icons, or simple words
– Use magnets on the fridge
– Move cards around physically

For older kids:

– Use more complex digital or written systems

Always meet the child where they are.

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3. Ownership and buy-in

Don’t just impose planning.

Kids need to feel:

– Involved
– Heard
– Included in the process

Let them help:

– Choose the calendar
– Set it up
– Color-code it
– Draw on it
– Build it with you

The more ownership they have, the more they’ll use it.

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4. Use the school calendar

Download your school’s academic calendar for the upcoming year.

Include:

– First day of school
– Holidays
– Breaks (winter, summer, etc.)

Many students—even high schoolers—don’t know these dates. We want to change that.

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5. Let them fail safely

Summer is a great time for safe failure.

If they forget something small (like a planned hangout), and there are no serious consequences, let it happen.

Then ask:

– “What happened?”
– “What can you do differently next time?”

Avoid rescuing them too quickly.

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6. Plan everything, not just obligations

Include:

– Appointments
– School prep
– Micro-projects (organizing clothes, books, etc.)
– Free time
– Fun activities

Yes—plan fun too. Kids need to see that planning isn’t just for chores.

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7. Put time first

Always write the time first:

– “2:00 PM Dentist”
– “5:00 PM Friend”

This helps visual processing.

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8. Be succinct

Keep entries short:

– “Dentist”
– “Friend”
– Not long sentences or detailed notes

Simplicity supports executive function.

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9. Consider prep time

Kids (and adults with executive function challenges) often underestimate time.

Example:
If something is at 2:00 PM, ask:

– “When do we need to leave?”
– “What time do we need to start getting ready?”

Help them think through the full process.

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10. Resist rescuing

This is very important.

Don’t:

– Constantly remind
– Repeatedly check for them
– Take over their planning

Instead:

– Point them back to the calendar
– Say “Check your plan”
– Let them build responsibility

They need practice—not rescue.

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Final thoughts

The most important takeaway is this:

Keep practicing planning over the summer.

Make it:

– Visual
– Consistent
– Shared
– Age-appropriate
– Student-owned

This will make a huge difference in the fall and help your child build independence.

There are other helpful things too—like organizing and micro-projects—but planning is the foundation.

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My name is Seth Perler, I’m an executive function coach.

If you liked this video, give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and leave a comment:

– What works for you?
– What doesn’t?
– What would you add?

You can also visit sethperler.com for free resources for parents and teachers.

And I also have my Executive Function Online Summit coming up in August—TEFOS. You can find the link below. I’m currently working with speakers and I’m really excited about it.

Take care, parents. Bye.