At times it might seem as quite the difficult task, providing support to your child, especially a high-schooler can get quite challenging. With the raging hormones, insecurities and overall rebellious behavior when it comes to parents, it might even seem impossible. But fret not, there are ways you can help your child get ready for one of the most important life’s obstacles, the final test.
Start by observing
Don’t jump right in with all the solutions the moment you notice they are struggling. It is important to help them get there on their own. So first just observe, you will notice if they are having trouble concentrating if they are getting anxious or depressed. This will be your que to jump in, but without guns blazing. Don’t get straight to the point, talk about other things and then slowly ease into that topic. Keep in mind that you are the parent and there still needs to be a dose of authority, but don’t push too hard since that could just make them close up even more.
Give constructive advice
One thing that we know as working parents is how to juggle obligations and make time even when it seems we haven’t got any. So one of the most important pieces of advice that we can give our children is how to manage time. Time management is crucial when it comes to studying, especially for such important exams. So sit with them and go through their daily and weekly schedule, helping them shuffle a few things around in order to free up more time for studying. As you probably already know, from your own example, cramming the night before the test usually doesn’t give great results. And the final exams are not the time for bad results.
Give constructive advice – Photo by devansee
Stir them in the right direction
Studying for the final exams can get quite overwhelming for your child, and this is why it is important to give them a nudge in the right direction when it seems they are going in circles. You could help them get the right study notes and materials if it seems they are stuck. Using comprehensive WACE notes can make all the difference for the final results. Even at the risk of having your kid get angry with you, try contacting their friends, or the parents of their friends to get some input on what they are using as preparatory materials. There might be some stuff your child could benefit from.
Ease their stress
There are a lot of little things that you can do to help them cope with the overwhelming stress. During the final week bake their favorite cookies and just leave them in their room. Make sure they get enough fruit and vitamins and rest. Studying non-stop is never a good idea, encourage them to take breaks, get out and get some fresh air and see their friends. In order to have better success while learning it is important that they clear their head from time to time. And you are the one who needs to tell them it’s ok and that they don’t need to feel guilty about that.
Ease their stress – Photo by BenediktGeyer
Don’t add more pressure
‘You have to study!’, ‘I expect the perfect result’, ‘Your future depends on this!”. They already know all of this, it is no use stressing it any further. You need to have realistic expectations from your kids, and know their limitations. Don’t push them if you see they are cracking, yes, you might approach the situation differently, but that is not your life and your call. Trust in the way you raised them and give them room to make their own decisions and mistakes. The more pressure you put on them to have perfect results on the final exam, the more their psyche will suffer. You need to be their cheerleader not their boss.
So there you are the five ways you can really help your child prepare for the final exams. Remember, they are already under a lot of pressure, it is our job as parents to ease the pressure and not pile up additional.
