Iceberg, right ahead!

As the school year winds down, it’s easy to focus only on the visible outcomes: final grades, completed projects, exams, awards, and accomplishments. But those are just the tip of the iceberg.

The part that matters most and often goes unseen is underneath: planning ahead, getting started when tired, managing distractions, staying organized, following through, and pushing through setbacks. Those are executive function skills, and they are the foundation of all the visible outcomes. 

Here are a few ways to support the beneath-the-surface work during these final weeks: 

• Focus on essentials like finishing projects and preparing for exams
• Maintain a few consistent expectations like homework before fun
• Protect routines, especially sleep schedules and basic structure

To help your child finish strong, focus on strengthening the part of the iceberg you can’t see.