Board games can be a powerful tool for helping children develop executive functioning skills.
They are an easy, accessible way to play with your child outside of therapy!
Did you know board games can teach all 8 executive functioning skills?
● Working Memory: learning or remember the game rules and directions
● Task Initiation: starting and continuing the game
● Emotional Regulation: learning to control emotions when losing
● Self Regulation: learning mistakes from a previous play
● Organization: keeping your pieces organized and in your space
● Time Management: some games are timed, or estimate how long the game will take
● Impulse Control: waiting your turn
● Flexible Thinking: changing strategy if needed
Tips for Maximizing Benefits:
1. Choose games appropriate for the child’s age and skill level. This ensures
engagement without frustration.
2. Discuss the game afterward. Talk about what strategies worked, what could be
improved, and how they felt during the game.
3. Be a role model. Demonstrate good sportsmanship and patience during play.
4. Gradually increase complexity. Start with simpler games and introduce more
challenging ones as the child’s skills grow.
By incorporating board games into playtime, parents and caregivers can create enjoyable
opportunities for children to practice and develop their executive functioning skills.