How to help your child manage exam stress

AS the clock ticks down to the final National Senior Certificate exams scheduled to commence on Tuesday, education experts are urging parents to foster a supportive environment for their children rather than imposing pressures tied to academic expectations.

This pivotal moment in a learners life should not be overshadowed by the anxiety of performance metrics, but rather celebrated as a part of their learning journey.

Parents should not put pressure on their children because of their expectations, but rather provide reassurance that your love, pride, and support do not depend on a number on a report card, say education experts.

From Tuesday, October 21, the matric class of 2025 will begin their exams.

Juan-Pierre Moller, an educational psychologist, and lecturer at the South African College of Applied Psychology, said a child’s value is not defined by their marks.

"What they need most right now is reassurance that your love, pride, and support do not depend on a number on a report card.

"Be mindful of your words and tone when talking about results or performance. Create an atmosphere of understanding rather than expectation. Encourage breaks, rest, and healthy routines. Often, the best way to reduce a child’s anxiety is simply to make them feel heard and safe. Try to make their favourite meal or give them a hug, to show you care," said Moller.

He said it was okay for learners to feel nervous as it means they care.

"But remember that your life is worth infinitely more than any exam result. One set of papers does not define your intelligence, your potential, or your future. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone," he said.

Moller said performance anxiety can lead to a child achieving grades lower than what they are actually capable of.

"Parents should listen to their child with empathy and understanding. Remember that each person is unique and that they might study in a different way that you have. Ask how they’re feeling, not just how much they’ve studied. Listen without judgment. Therefore, support them, rather than to add more pressure on top of the already heaped pressure they apply to themselves," said Moller.

He said learners should prioritise their revision tasks, limit distractions and set realistic goals.

"Break down your study material into manageable chunks. Have mindful study breaks. Prioritise sleep, get physical activity, do stretches and eat healthy food as self-care is important.

"Connect with peers and ask for help, but also set boundaries. This is not your first rodeo, use the study techniques that got you through the previous 11 years of school. Make visuals, podcasts, songs, mneumonic, dances, or a combination thereof of whichever techniques you learn the best from. If you can explain the content to a grade 1, in a way that they will understand your grade 12 work, then you know your work well," said Moller.

He suggested that learners relate topics to real-life scenarios, to associate with it and to remember it better.

Rej Brijraj, former head of the SA Council for Educators (Sace), said parents or guardians must gently encourage learners to spend a practical number of hours daily for study, spending more time on their weaker subjects.

"Parents, guardians, relatives, friends and peers of aspiring matriculants need to empathise, be understanding and provide loving support in this period. Being strict, authoritarian or regimental will heighten anxiety and stress for learners.

"Study periods will be broken up according to concentration spans of individual learners. Some will sit continuously, while others will take breaks. Studying past papers that have solutions is a good idea. Matric candidates must be advised, not shouted at," said Brijraj.

Brijraj said in his view teachers are primarily responsible for ensuring that learners are equipped with a preparation plan that is user friendly for every subject.

"Learners must read instructions carefully, write neatly, double check and leave difficult questions for the end," said Brijraj.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE