For the 400th time, will you please…

In honor of Mother’s Day, because moms give so much. 

For many kids, especially those who struggle with getting started, staying on track, or managing the demands of a school week, Mom is the executive function system. She’s the external reminder, the transition warning, and the prompt to start homework. She helps track deadlines, anticipates the obstacles, and somehow knows that Tuesday is the night things go sideways.

This is incredibly important work. And it’s also worth noting: The goal, over time, is to gradually hand those skills back to the kids themselves. Not all at once, and not without support, but piece by piece, so that one day they’re running their own system. 

This week, try handing back a small piece to your child. Maybe ask “what do you need to remember for tomorrow?” instead of telling them. Or ask them to check their homework portal before you do. Small, intentional shifts will affect change over time. 

So to every mom who has ever said “did you pack your water bottle?” for the 400th time, or sat next to her kid at the kitchen table when she had a hundred other things to do: Thank you. You’re not just keeping the ship afloat. You’re teaching your child how to one day do this for themselves.

Happy (belated) Mother’s Day.