You are your child’s hype person

The end of the school year can bring a wave of stress that chips away at your child’s confidence. That nagging self-doubt might tell them they aren’t capable enough to handle the final hurdles. The increased demands on your child’s executive function skills – organization, time management, focus, and task initiation – can amplify any underlying self-doubt. When these mental muscles feel strained, their inner critic might whisper, “I can’t keep up” or “I can’t do this.”

Remember: In times of stress and self-doubt, your unwavering belief in your child is their superpower.

1. When they feel stuck, remind them of how far they’ve already come and celebrate every bit of effort they put in and every small victory. Be positive and focus on their resilience!
2. If your child is struggling and falling behind, work together to break down daunting tasks into smaller, less intimidating ones. 
3. Help your child replace negative self-talk with encouraging affirmations, shifting “I can’t” to “I can try one step at a time” or “What small step can I take?”

By recognizing the interplay between executive function demands and self-belief, you’re not just helping them navigate the immediate end-of-year stress. You’re also strengthening the very skills and inner confidence they need to tackle future challenges and realize success.

You are your child’s hype person – unleash that belief and watch them level up!