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Written By: Claire Adams
The end of high school usually comes faster than anybody’s expected, and that last year can be extremely stressful for students, but also for their parents. However, no matter how much stress you think you feel as a parent, know that your child is feeling it even more. They’re young, their hormones are probably running wild and they have to balance between the studying, falling in love and being good friends. And since being a teenager definitely isn’t easy, you need to be there to support them as they take on their exams. Here are a few tips on how to do it.
Listen to them
One way for your child to relieve some stress is by talking about what worries them, their fears and problems, or simply telling you about their progress. When they do, avoid imposing your own opinion on them. It may not be what they want or need to hear right now. Instead, listen actively to what they’re telling you and respond with questions or even simple nods to keep them talking and to let them know they’ve got your attention. When your child knows their opinion is valued and their feelings validated, and when they see that you really want to hear how they want to solve their problem, they will be more likely to come to you with any of their issues later on. Offer encouragement and praise for all the things they’re doing well and avoid criticizing them when they make mistakes and they will know they can turn to you with anything that’s bothering them.
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Make studying easier for them
Another way to support your child through this stressful period is to enable them to study without interruptions and in a good environment. Make sure they have a nice study space, with a lot of natural light and that they have all they need to work right there, on their desk. Try giving them more time by assigning them fewer chores and letting them skip some of their usual extracurricular activities. If they’re panicking over the immensity of their tasks, talk to them and help them break those tasks into smaller ones and set themselves more achievable, short-term goals. If their textbook is huge, tell them to focus on chapter 2 today, and move on when they’re done with that. If you notice that their notes are chaotic, don’t make them feel additionally bad about that, but rather help them organize them, or suggest that they use the effective and thorough WACE notes for anything they missed in class or didn’t manage to take down. Plus, remind them to take breaks from time to time, so that they remain fresh and focused for longer.
Tend to their basic needs
This doesn’t mean that you should treat them like babies, but it is important to prepare nutritious meals for them daily so that they have the energy required for what’s ahead of them that day. Don’t allow them to turn to junk or comfort foods, which wouldn’t be surprising, due to the stress of the upcoming exams. Make sure they get all the necessary nutrients to remain healthy, energized and sharp. Encourage them to go outside and engage in some sort of physical activity at least once every day, and talk to them about staying up too late, since losing sleep can interfere with their mental performance and attention, slowing them down when they can’t afford it. It’s also essential that they finish studying at least an hour before bedtime so that they can unravel and relax and fall asleep more easily. Finally, be familiar with their schedule and make certain that they’re awake and ready for their day before you go on with yours.
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash
Being a parent means being there for your child whenever they need it, and especially when the going gets tough. Knowing that they have somebody to trust and lean on when they’re under pressure will take some tension off of them and allow them to do the best they can in every aspect of their life, including their education.
About the Author
Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. She enjoys life to the fullest in the healthiest way possible and loves to share her insights into parenting, education, and entrepreneurship. Feel free to reach her on Facebook and Twitter.
