As finals approach, many high school students start to feel the pressure, and for students who struggle with executive functioning (EF) skills, this time of year can feel especially overwhelming. Executive functioning includes the mental skills we use to plan, organize, manage time, focus, and regulate emotions which are all essential for success during exam season.

The good news? Parents can play a powerful role in helping teens develop strategies to manage their workload and stress more effectively. Here’s how to help in the weeks leading up to finals:

1. Create a Six-Week Countdown Plan

Help your teen break down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Sit down together and map out major projects, review sessions, and exam dates on a calendar. Color-coding by subject or task type (study, review, test day) can help visually organize the weeks ahead.

Encourage your student to check off completed tasks — small wins build motivation and a sense of control.

2. Establish a Study Routine

Consistency is key. Work with your teen to set up a daily study schedule that balances schoolwork, rest, and free time. Short, focused study blocks (25–45 minutes) with short breaks in between can improve focus and retention.

Keep in mind that starting early — even with just 15 minutes a day per subject — helps reduce last-minute cramming.

3. Support Organization Systems

If your student’s backpack or digital folders look like a black hole, take an afternoon to reset. Help them sort through papers, delete old files, and label folders by class. Encourage them to write assignments and deadlines in a planner or use a digital app like Google Calendar, Notion, or Todoist.

4. Encourage Prioritization and Flexibility

Teens with EF challenges may struggle to know what’s most important. Help them rank tasks by urgency and importance. For instance, reviewing for the math final might take precedence over polishing a completed essay.

At the same time, build flexibility into the plan. Things will shift, and that’s okay! The goal is progress, not perfection.

5. Model and Teach Stress Management

Finals can heighten anxiety. Model healthy coping strategies — deep breathing, walking breaks, or mindfulness apps. Encourage sleep and balanced meals (yes, even when time feels tight). When students see calm modeled at home, they’re more likely to manage stress in healthy ways.

6. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes

Students who struggle with executive functioning often equate success only with grades. Remind your teen that building better study habits, planning ahead, and following through are major accomplishments. Recognize effort and growth as much as the final results.

Final Thought

Six weeks may seem like a short window, but it’s the perfect time to build structure, consistency, and confidence. When parents provide gentle scaffolding — not micromanagement — teens can practice the skills they’ll use not just for finals, but for college, work, and life!

If your student needs help mapping out a study schedule with a coach, The Center for Lifelong Learning can help.  By Preparing for finals and finishing the semester strong, The Center for Lifelong Learning can help with either a final exam preparation session during study halls or a class on December 2^nd or 4^th after school. Click below to schedule an appointment.