Fostering Executive Function During Breaks

Fostering Executive Function During Breaks

Fostering Executive Function During Breaks

By SOS4Students Coach Marco Vieira

Spring break is here, and while we want kids to relax and have fun, it’s also crucial to help them maintain and strengthen their executive function skills during this downtime. Extended breaks can often disrupt healthy habits cultivated during the semester, allowing them to be replaced by less healthy ones. Here is a quick list of things you should encourage your student to continue doing over break.

Fostering Executive Function During Breaks

Daily Routines

  • Wake Up—Having students to wake up at a consistent time, even during break, helps keep them on track for when school resumes. Encourage them to set their own alarms and get up within an hour of their usual time.
  • Get Dressed—Even if staying home all day, changing out of pajamas sets a tone for the day.
  • Morning Hygiene—This one is for everyone. No one likes a stinky kid!
  • Morning Checklist—Have students write a short list of things they want to accomplish each day. Keep it simple, clear, and empowering.

“Jobs” for Break

  • Projects—Assign a job or project to complete during break. This should be a multistep, multiday task. Does the garage need organizing? Do the outside windows need cleaning? This makes for great real-world executive function practice.
  • Life Skills—Breaks are a perfect opportunity to teach something new, such as cooking, driving, budgeting, doing the laundry, etc.
  • College Checklist—Encourage your student to start or make progress on a college prep checklist.
  • Drivers Ed—Spring break is a great time to begin or finish driver’s ed coursework or practice behind the wheel.

Additional Positive Behaviors

  • Journaling—Encourage your student to start a journal. One sentence a day is enough to get started.
  • Audiobooks—Suggest listening to audiobooks while drawing, organizing, or puzzling—it’s an easy double win for focus and enjoyment.
  • Read Together—Choose a book to read and discuss together. This is a great bonding and brain-building activity.
  • ASK—Let your student take ownership. Ask what your student wants to accomplish during break—it builds intrinsic motivation..

Tech Boundaries

  • Tech Schedule—Set clear, agreed-upon times for screen use. We recommend tech downtime in the evening to help with winding down.
  • Social Activities—Encourage your student to get out of the house and engage with friends, family, or nature.
  • Help Keep Track—Many students don’t realize how much time they spend on screens. Help them track screen use for a day, then reflect and adjust.
  • Screen-Time Goals—Have your student create a short list of goals that need to be completed before earning screen time.
  • Model It—Kids feed off your energy. If parents are stuck on a screen, chances are, their kids will be too.

Maintain Momentum

Breaks are a great time to reconnect with students while encouraging them to integrate executive function into daily life. When this balance is achieved, it helps preserve the progress they’ve made during the semester without compromising the joy and relaxation that come with time off.

Help your student recognize that fulfillment comes from meaningful engagement—whether it’s learning life skills, tackling hands-on projects, or exploring creative hobbies. Taking charge of their day not only promotes independence but also instills a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

By combining relaxation with structure, parents can create an environment where students return to their routines not just refreshed but empowered. Spring break becomes a springboard for future growth, and the habits students refine now can continue shaping their success for years to come.

We Are Here to Help!

SOS4Students has helped countless students navigate executive function issues and more, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you have questions about coaching, advocacy, or other ways in which we can help, contact us today at (510) 531-4767 or .