Exam time is a source of dread not only for kids, but for parents as well. While kids experience the stress more directly, parents also feel the effect and could possibly project the stress onto the child. Frankly, exams are burdensome enough, so try and be as supportive as possible by remaining calm and relaxed when talking to them. But apart from keeping your cool, what else can you do to help make the exam-time a little less stressful for them (and yourself)?

Organise the schedule

Creating a good balance between studying and resting is essential to ensure successful results. The trick is to create a healthy balance between work and relaxation. How do you do this? We suggest helping them break down the work into manageable pieces and mapping out a study schedule for them to follow. Study one hour, 15 minutes break. Don’t pressurise them to study or threaten to take certain things away if they do badly on an exam. This will only result in more anxiety.

Help with revision

Being in control of the work will help keep them focused on the task at hand. Younger kids, especially those doing exams for the first time need a little guidance on how to study and summarise. Condensing notes onto postcards act as revision prompts and makes it easy to quiz them before the test. Don’t pressurise or exert them though. If they want your help, the will ask you.

Staying healthy

Just because it’s a stressful time doesn’t mean it’s okay to start snacking on junk food. Missing out on a nutritious and balanced diet can have a negative impact on their mental ability. Be sure to encourage family meal-time participation even if it’s a busy revision day. Of course, a nutritious breakfast on the morning of the exam will also do wonders!

Avoid cramming sessions! Early to bed and early to rise is a good principle. Proper amounts of sleep can help aid the memory process and help clear your mind before the next revision session starts.

Rewards

Whether you choose to bribe your child to study or provide small gifts for a job well-done, do so while still staying supportive. Bribery could imply that you don’t trust your child enough to accomplish results on their own and could affect their self-worth. Rather encourage your child by making them understand the bigger picture: if you study hard you can go to university and become a veterinarian, teacher or doctor. Good results are themselves the best reward for hard work and will make your child proud of his/her achievements.

Remember that behind ever child who believes in himself/herself is a parent who believed first. So, be supportive, listen when they’re feeling stressed and stay calm – exam-time does eventually pass.

We have everything a newcomer needs to ace the exams. Get stationery, desk supplies and oodles and oodles of highlighters at your nearest PNA store.