Executive Functioning- Nurture free play

Independent and unstructured play is essential for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and autonomy. Offering a variety of art, open-ended play materials, and imaginary play props allow children to construct their own ideas. As you observe your child in their play, try not to intervene with what you feel is right or wrong. Observing and noticing helps you understand their abilities and what their interests are. Modeling solutions or commenting on actions (“You built a TALL tower!” “I noticed you drew a lot of circles”) encourages children to try again without giving them the answers. When children have the freedom to test out their executive functioning skills during free play, they build confidence and independence! After all, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,” Fred Rogers.