Our lives have changed over the last few years to fast paced, high pressure lifestyles. Our children also often feel pressured to take part- and perform in different fields. The expectations that children face with schoolwork, extra mural activities, social activities and family time can make them tired and feel uninspired.
Children should learn to manage their time, plan ahead and create balance between activities. Before a child can do this, they need their parents’ guidance and support. This is how you can help:
- Share realistic expectations with your child. You and your child should both know what is expected of him or her, but it should be feasible expectations.
- Avoid negative comments about your child’s schoolwork, activities or teachers. Negativity will only make your child feel uninspired to reach the expectations.
- Get routine in place. It is important especially when a child feels overwhelmed and anxious. Unexpected events can create even more anxiety. Do not punish a child for feeling anxious; rather help him or her to cope with everyday tasks.
- Get a daily-, weekly- or monthly planner to schedule times for activities, homework, family time and time to relax.
- Show your support by being available, help your child or get professional help for your child in specific subjects if necessary. Sometimes a note in his or her lunchbox or a cool drink at homework time is all they need.
Tips for exam time
- Help your child to set realistic long- and short term goals for him- or herself e.g. studying for a feasible percentage for each subject at the end of the term. Read more about how you can do this.
- Ensure that your child has a daily planner to plan when which subjects will be learned and revised
- Ask your child questions about the work and show interest and support.
- Help your child to organise his or her stationary the day before the exam to ensure he or she has everything needed. This will avoid them running late on the day of the exam.
- Mark off the exam days and learning areas as the exam goes by.
- Listen when your child talks about the exam. Get an idea of his or her experiences, fears and excitement.
- Acknowledge positive behaviour rather than focusing on the negative.
- Be realistic in your child’s ability and do never compare siblings’ abilities and performances.
