Exam season can be one of the most stressful times for high school pupils, and parents play a crucial role in helping them navigate this challenging period.
With the right support, you can help your child reduce stress, stay motivated, and approach exams with a positive mindset. Here are some practical ways to support your child during exams.
Encourage a balanced routine: A healthy routine can help your child manage their stress and improve focus. Encourage a consistent sleep schedule, nutritious meals and snacks, and breaks for physical activity.
Provide a distraction-free study space: Choose a quiet space and encourage organisation. This can reduce stress and allow them to focus more easily.
Help them set manageable goals: Break down large tasks. If your child has a lot to review, help them break it into smaller, manageable tasks.
Setting goals like “review two chapters” or “complete one practice test” can make progress feel more attainable.
Create a study schedule: Working with your child to create a study schedule helps them prioritise topics and allocate time effectively. It can also build accountability and reduce last-minute stress.
Celebrate progress: Recognising their efforts can help boost motivation. Small rewards, like a favourite meal or extra relaxation time, can go a long way in encouraging your child.
Be available and supportive: Sometimes, being there makes all the difference.
Offer help when needed. Let your child know you’re there to support them, whether that means quizzing them on topics, helping them brainstorm, or just listening.
Show interest without hovering: Check in periodically to see how they’re doing without micromanaging.
Sometimes, just knowing that you’re available if they need help is enough.
Stay calm and patient: Exam season can lead to emotional ups and downs. Be patient, understanding, and avoid adding extra stress. Your calm presence can help keep their anxiety in check.
Encourage short breaks and rest days: Overloading on studying without adequate breaks can lead to burnout.
Use the ‘Pomodoro Technique’: Encourage your child to study in short intervals, such as 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break. This method helps maintain focus without overwhelming them.
Suggest rest days: Taking one full rest day during a long study period can help them recharge. It’s important to remind them that rest is a productive part of the study process.
Encourage non-study activities: Reading, hobbies, or spending time with family can provide a mental break, allowing them to return to studying refreshed.
Keep perspective and reassure them: As parents, your perspective can help keep stress in check.
Remind them of their efforts: Encourage them to focus on their efforts rather than results alone.
Confidence in the process can reduce last-minute jitters and build resilience.
Help put exams in perspective: Remind your child that while exams are important, they’re not everything.
Reassure them that, no matter the outcome, there are always opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.
Supporting your child during exams goes beyond academic encouragement; it’s about providing emotional support, building confidence, and helping them develop healthy habits that will serve them well beyond high school.
With your guidance and encouragement, they can tackle exams with resilience and focus.
Remember, they’ll benefit most from a calm, understanding parent who believes in their potential, regardless of the grades they receive.
