10 ways to support your matriculant ahead of the final exams
12 Sep 2018 EDUCATION
By Nomali Cele
If you’re a parent to a matriculant, you are probably a ball of tension and stress right now because the final exams are only a few weeks away. If you are outwardly stressed, however, it’s not going to do your matriculant any good. All it’s going to do is add to their worries. If you are looking for a way you can support your matriculant ahead of the final exams, try these 10 things.
Listen to them
Actively listen to your child. They may express concerns and stresses in passing but you will miss these unless you are actively listening out for ways to support your matriculant ahead of the final exams. Let them tell you the way they need assistance.
Provide resources
The Department of Basic Education website has a library full of past exam papers your child can still use to study for the subjects that
Constantly reassure your child
Matric final exams time is a stressful time. Reassuring your matriculant that they need only do their best will set them at ease. Instead of demanding all A-s and your child breaking themselves in an attempt to make you happy, your reassurance will give them permission to focus on their studying as something they need only do their best in. This reassurance will also come in handy when the results come in January.
To support your matriculant ahead of the final exams, help them plan their time
They know your workload better than you ever will so let them take the lead in setting a timetable.
Let them know you are there to support them
For any loving parent, it may seem obvious that you are there to support your matriculant ahead of the final exams if they need you. But it bears repeating.
Support your matriculant ahead of the final exams by not hovering
Constantly asking what they’re working on and which chapter is still left will just lead to frustrations. You’ve let your child know you are there for them now it’s time to give them space. This can be difficult for most parents but step back and give your child their space.
Provide brain food
Ensure that your child has a selection of healthy and brain-boosting meals and snacks. Food is fuel and ensuring that your child has the right of fuel, slow-releasing carbs, for instance, will keep them energised.
Advocate for breaks
While we advise letting your child take their own lead in planning their studying, do supervise. If you think they’re doing too much studying and not balancing it, step in. Overworking themselves is not guaranteed to be an effective study method. Suggest going for a walk together or sitting outside and paging through your favourite magazines with a cup of tea.
Rally the family to support your matriculant ahead of the final exams
There’s nothing like trying to study in an environment that isn’t supportive. Get everyone on board with the next few month’s mission: The final exams. Get others to fill in for your child on their day-to-day chores, especially if they have extra lessons after school. Set a TV time and ensure that the house is quiet by a specific time if your child prefers to study at night.
Ensure they’re getting rest
Support your matriculant ahead of the final exams by ensuring that they’re getting their full eight hours. Rest is very underrated but when they’re not getting enough, your child will struggle. On this point, you are allowed to throw your parent authority around because it’ll be in their best interests in the end.
Education, Life after matric, matric, Matric exams, Parenting
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