womanthismonth.com | JUNE 2026 OPINION 99 Summer in Bahrain is a time for slower mornings, family outings and a well-earned break from school. No packed lunches, no homework battles and no rigid routines can feel like a relief for everyone. Yet while children enjoy that pause, some of their executive functioning skills can quietly slip into holiday mode too. These are the everyday mental tools that help children plan, organise, start tasks, stay focused, manage emotions and finish what they begin. They are not just school skills; they are life skills. During the summer, children can lose up to 40 percent of learning gains, but the impact is not only academic. Time management, memory, organisation, focus and emotional regulation can all be affected, particularly for children who are neurodivergent or have ADHD. That does not mean summer should become another term of lessons. The aim is not to take away rest, but to build small, practical habits through real-life activities that feel natural, enjoyable and confidence-building. Six Summer Ideas That Do Not Feel Like School 1. Let them plan the family day One of the simplest ways to strengthen executive functioning is to let children help organise a family activity. Whether it is a barbecue, beach outing or gathering at home, they can help decide what is needed, check details, organise snacks, think about timing and problem-solve when plans change. It feels like family fun, but it also teaches planning, communication and responsibility. 2. Give them a small daily mission A child might help prepare a checklist before leaving the house, organise what needs to be packed or plan the order of a few errands. These tasks give children a sense of independence while gently helping them understand sequence, preparation and follow-through. 3. Declutter and reboot Slower indoor days can become useful reset moments. Tidying a bedroom, filing old school papers or reorganising supplies can help children feel more in control of their environment. When a space feels calmer, the mind often follows. 4. Make reading more appealing Reading can be approached in a relaxed way during the summer. If it feels like a struggle, pair an audiobook with a physical book, try short shared reading sessions or create a family reading moment with snacks and a comfortable setting. Short, positive experiences are far more valuable than long sessions that create stress. 5. Build a passion project Children are more likely to stay focused when the subject excites them, whether that is rockets, animals, reptiles, art, crafts, climbing or outdoor play. Encouraging them to create something they can present, display or explain to the family helps them practise organisation, persistence and completion without making it feel like schoolwork. 6. Tidy the tech together Digital spaces need attention too. A quick 15-minute session to organise downloads, tidy files or clear old emails can teach children how to manage digital clutter. Doing it together, with support, is far more effective than expecting them to handle it alone. For some families, outside support can make the process easier. A purposeful summer camp or coaching programme can help children build attention, independence, task completion and emotional regulation without placing parents in the role of daily coach. Executive functioning is not only about school Fifi Kiwan is a Behaviour Consultant and Certified ADHD Coach with 18 years’ experience using evidence-based, play-based ABA methods to support communication, behaviour, cognitive development and real-world progress for families and professionals. Summer Brain Boost Scan to watch success. It helps children manage life, relationships, responsibilities and change. This summer, children can rest, recharge and still keep building the skills that help them thrive.
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