It would be foolish to say that exam time is without any stress. Parents are well aware of this and it is to be understood that you want to help and support your child.
Below are some tips on how you can be of assistance to your child during exam-taking time.
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Children and teenagers might not gravitate towards a healthy diet during this time when it is ever more important to have a balanced diet. Talk to your child about what they might want to eat and how to shop for a healthy but attractive meal for your child during this time. Negotiating with them about what they might want to eat shows them you care and gives them some alternative to high-fat, high-sugar intake of food, which they would naturally gravitate towards during this time.
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Sleep is extremely important during this time. Teenagers do not like to go to bed early. However, understanding that 8 to 10 hours might be needed is important. Perhaps you can suggest a before-bedtime routine. You could suggest no screen time and quiet time for 30 minutes before going to bed. Perhaps a coup of herbal tea might be nice.
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Do not add extra stress. Household chores can be left aside during exam time. Bedrooms do not need to be super tidy during that time. You can move back to your normal routine after the exams are over. Stay calm and be friendly and supportive.
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Offer your help with revision if your child might benefit from it. We like to foster independence in studying but it might be helpful to have someone to go over vocabulary or to just sit and listen to your child revising. Only do this if they want you to and ask gently if they might want you to help.
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Talk about anxiety and nerves. Help them set up exam-like practice papers if they would like to take practice exams. Have an open ear regarding anxiety and listen to your child.
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Encourage your child to go out and do some exercises. This will help boost their energy levels and alleviates stress and anxiety and clears the mind. Taking brief walks outside might already be a good start.
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Above all, be positive and supportive. Try not to add extra stress and avoid negative talk, even if you see your child might not study enough. Trust that your child wants to do well.
Hopefully, this will help guide you through this stressful time. Also, be nice to yourself and value this important time with your child as something where they can show you where they are in their learning.
Silke Fox
