For many students, play and sports season is one of the most exciting times of the school year. Whether your child is competing on the field, joining a school play, or participating in any extracurricular activity, these experiences provide important opportunities for growth, connection, and fun. However, they also introduce new demands on time, energy, and organization. That’s where executive functioning skills come in—and why supporting them is more important than ever during this busy season.

 

Executive functioning is the set of mental skills that help people manage their time, plan ahead, remember important details, stay organized, and control their impulses and emotions. For high school and college, strong executive functioning means juggling homework, practices, games or rehearsals, work, and personal well-being. For parents, it means helping kids learn not just what to do next, but how to manage it all with balance and confidence.

 

During play and sports season, students are pulled in different directions—academics, athletics, performing arts, social time, and family life. Without strong executive skills, things can quickly feel overwhelming. Assignments may get forgotten, stress levels can rise, and important rest or downtime might be sacrificed for packed schedules.

 

Here are some practical ways parents can help their teens build and use executive functioning strengths:

1. Encourage Planning
Help your student use a planner or calendar to map out practices, games, performances, assignments, and test dates. Sit with them at the start of each week to look ahead and make a realistic plan.

2. Support Organization
Designate a space at home for sports gear, musical instruments, or scripts. Show your child how to keep their backpack and folders tidy so that finding homework and handouts is easier.

3. Teach Time Management
Guide your student in setting up study times that fit around their activities. Remind them to break large projects into manageable tasks and prioritize what needs to be done first.

4. Model Balance
Be an example—show that you prioritize healthy routines like sleep, regular meals, physical activity, and downtime. Discuss the importance of not overcommitting and learning to say no when necessary.

5. Foster Self-Advocacy
Encourage your student to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed or need help. Whether it’s communicating with coaches, teachers, or teammates, self-advocacy is a vital life skill.

6. Celebrate Effort and Progress
Praise your child’s efforts in managing their responsibilities, not just their grades or wins. Acknowledge their growth in time management or their ability to keep a positive attitude, especially in challenging moments.

 

Play and sports season are about more than just games or performances—they’re about learning how to manage life’s many demands with resilience and confidence. By supporting your student’s executive functioning, you’re not only helping them succeed now, but you’re setting them up with skills that will last a lifetime.

 

The Center for Lifelong Learning offers coaches to step in when parents need another voice in their lives.  To book a coach or have a conversation about coaching please look at The Center’s webpage on Student Success Coaching.

Is your student involved in sports or extracurriculars this season? Share your favorite strategies for staying organized and balanced in the comments below!