Title: How I Stay Sane During the End-of-Year Chaos (And How You Can Too)
I keep coming across those hilarious "May-cember" memes — and honestly, they are not wrong. Between all the end-of-year events, last-minute school asks, yard work, cookouts, and those longer daylight hours that somehow trick you into thinking you should be doing more... May and June might actually be busier than December! At least in December, the chaos comes with twinkle lights and cookies.
We’re a little halfway through May, and like clockwork, the invites are rolling in — field days, end-of-year parties, class picnics, teacher gifts, awards nights, and banquets. It’s a lot, especially if you have more than one child, and especially if executive function challenges (yours or theirs!) make it hard to juggle all the moving parts.
As an executive function coach — and a mom — I live this season right alongside my clients. And while I don’t have a magic wand to clear the calendar, I do have a few strategies I use each year to keep us grounded, proactive, and as stress-free as possible.
Here are my go-to systems for managing the end-of-year chaos:
1. Buy the Essentials in Bulk
I’ve learned over the years that certain supplies always get requested:
Chips
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Juice boxes
Paper products
Napkins
Cups
So in early May, I stock up — not just for the class parties, but for summer use too. That way, I’m not running out to the store the night before a celebration or scrambling to sign up for something I don’t have on hand.
Bonus: These items double as perfect summer staples, so nothing goes to waste.
2. Bulk Gift Cards for Teachers (No Overthinking Required)
When it comes to teacher gifts, I try to keep it simple and heartfelt. I buy a handful of $10–$15 gift cards in early May (Target, Amazon, local coffee shops), and then I have them ready as the celebrations and last days of school roll out.
This also helps when you get a last-minute “Oh! I want to give one to my art teacher too!” situation. You’re covered.
3. Start the “Thank You” Conversations Early
In my house, I start asking my kids around the first week of May who they want to thank at the end of the year — teachers, aides, coaches, office staff. Once they give me names, we keep a running list, and they start writing a few notes at a time.
It’s so much easier to write one or two meaningful cards each week than to try to crank out ten in a day. Plus, it gives them space to think about what they’ve appreciated — a great exercise in reflection and gratitude.
4. Put a Giant Calendar on the Counter
There’s a lot happening in May and June — and not all of it gets added to digital calendars in real time. To keep the whole family on the same page, I print out a large paper calendar and keep it on the kitchen counter or a central spot.
Any new event, dress-up day, half-day, or party gets written down as soon as the info comes in. It helps:
Kids anticipate what’s coming
Everyone see where overlaps may exist
Prevent those “Wait, you didn’t tell me about that!” moments
You can even color-code by family member or activity type.
5. Expect the Unexpected — And Plan a Little Margin
One of the biggest reasons we get overwhelmed is that our time feels too tight. If you can, build in a little white space. Say no to a few extras, keep dinners simple, or block out a weekend afternoon to just reset.
I remind my clients often: Being proactive is powerful — but flexibility is part of the plan, too.
Executive Function Coaching Tip:
These end-of-year strategies aren’t just about staying afloat. They’re about modeling executive function skills like planning ahead, time management, and emotional regulation — skills our kids will take with them far beyond the classroom.
If your child struggles with transitions, forgets deadlines, or shuts down under pressure, this is a great time to build support systems — and coaching can help.
Let’s make the most of these last few weeks — without losing our minds.
And if you’re looking for executive function support for your child this summer or heading into the fall, I’d love to help.
📅 Schedule a free consultation here → https://jessica-hackmann.clientsecure.me