Parenting column by Sasha Hart, family care manager at Community Family Care, Staunton.
Exam season can be a very stressful time for everyone in the family.
Getting your child to revise may be a struggle or perhaps they are refusing to even sit the exams.
It is understandable you will want them to do their best, but if you are worried, imagine how overwhelming it might be for them.
As a parent you can help your children by just being there and encouraging them to talk about their feelings and fears.
Here are a few ideas to make exam time that bit more bearable.
Preparing for an exam
Make sure you have a clear timetable visible with times and locations.
Encourage children to get all their pens, pencils and equipment ready the evening before and try to get them to go to bed early so they are able to have a restful sleep and encourage them to eat before an exam to maintain concentration.
After the exam
Allow them the opportunity to talk about how they have done while you listen. Encourage them not to dwell on mistakes they think they have made.
When the exams are over plan an event to mark the results, whatever they are, and have some fun with your child.
Getting your child to revise may be a struggle or perhaps they are refusing to even sit the exams.
It is understandable you will want them to do their best, but if you are worried, imagine how overwhelming it might be for them.
As a parent you can help your children by just being there and encouraging them to talk about their feelings and fears.
Here are a few ideas to make exam time that bit more bearable.
- Make sure they have a comfortable place to work. If this isn’t possible, make it easy for them to go elsewhere – their grandparents’ home or the library.
- Establish a revision routine that suits them which may mean rearranging the family’s schedules and priorities. Remember to include breaks.
- Accept some people can revise better with music or the TV on in the background – we are all different.
- Try to avoid nagging as it can help them lose focus and increase stress levels/ moodiness.
- Remind them it is never too late to study, revise or ask for help.
- Schedule small and frequent rewards for the effort they are putting in. A larger reward of a day out may give something to look forward and a much-needed break.
- Be calm, positive, reassuring and put the whole thing into perspective – if you’re stressed they will be too.
Preparing for an exam
Make sure you have a clear timetable visible with times and locations.
Encourage children to get all their pens, pencils and equipment ready the evening before and try to get them to go to bed early so they are able to have a restful sleep and encourage them to eat before an exam to maintain concentration.
After the exam
Allow them the opportunity to talk about how they have done while you listen. Encourage them not to dwell on mistakes they think they have made.
When the exams are over plan an event to mark the results, whatever they are, and have some fun with your child.
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