Building Thinking Skills: New Parent-Mediated EF Programs

What Are Executive Functions (EF) — in Toddler Terms

Think of EF as the set of brain tools that help a child:

• Wait their turn or pause before grabbing something (inhibition)
• Switch between tasks, like cleaning up then listening, or shifting play activities (cognitive flexibility)
• Remember what you asked them to do—hold on to instructions like “come here” or “put that back” (working memory)

 These skills help children with DS manage daily routines, follow directions, handle frustration, and prepare for schoolwork.

What the 2025 Study Shows (PMC11923395)

• The study introduced a parent-led EF-intervention for preschoolers with DS. Caregivers reported the program was enjoyable and doable. (PMC)
• Parents also noticed that their children appeared to use EF more in their everyday routines—less struggling when asked to wait, slightly better shifts between activities, and better following of simple directions. (PMC)
• Importantly, the approach is manageable: it showed that parents can use EF-games/play at home, without needing lots of special equipment. (PMC)

Play-Based EF Games for 2-4-Year-Olds

Here are fun games to build inhibition, switching, and working memory—ones you can do at home with things you already have. Try to weave these into everyday routines. 

Tips for Parents: How to Make These Games Work Best

• Keep it playful and low pressure. These are games, not tests.
• Celebrate small wins. Be consistent — practice 3-5 times per week is good; even 5-10 minutes matters.
• Use routines — embed EF games into times that are already predictable: after meals, before bath, or after quiet play.
• Model waiting or switching yourself — your child learns by watching.
• Start simple, then add challenge — fewer steps, clearer rules at first, then gradually increase variety: more objects, faster switching, more distractions.

What You Might Expect With Time

With regular practice, many parents in the study noticed improvements in daily life:

• Children waited more calmly for turns.
• They followed multi-step instructions more reliably.
• Transitions between activities (like stopping play to wash hands) got smoother.

 It takes time—and there will be some tougher moments—but over weeks the small shifts add up. (PMC)

When to Reach Out for Extra Help

If you try these games for several weeks and your child still struggles a lot with:

• Basic waiting or interrupting others
• Shifting between simple activities
• Following simple instructions even without distractions

 Then it’s worth talking to a special educator, speech-language therapist, or psychologist who understands DS. They can offer support, tailor the challenge level, and help you adapt games to your child’s unique pace.

Key Takeaway

Executive function skills are not something children with Down syndrome just “have to wait for”—they can be developed now, with you as their partner.

By weaving simple, playful thinking games into everyday life, you help your child build skills for concentration, flexibility, memory, and calm, tools that help them thrive socially, emotionally, and in learning.