Support your child this exam season

Support your child this exam season

EXAMS
PHOTO CREDIT: 9jakids

As the current academic trimester winds towards examinations, it is paramount for parents to wholly assist in the preparations of their wards to attain optimal performances.

Many children often dread the thought of putting their academic knowledge and skills to the test in the form of tests and examinations. However, it is important for parents to step in and assist with neutralising this phobia by offering moral and emotional support.

A key step is the incorporation of a study schedule. Introducing a study routine, and also ensuring that it is strictly followed, will help guardians regularly monitor the amount of reading time their children are able to get each day. It is a widely known fact that children feed off of the commitment of their parents, and so taking the initiative by enacting a study schedule is sure to get your child on board with preparations.
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In the run up to the examinations, children need as much emotional support as they can get. Parents should completely avoid comparing their wards to their colleagues. Many guardians, intentionally or unintentionally, have a habit of measuring up children against their classmates, peers and even siblings, believing it would ‘motivate’ them to improve on their academic performances.

Such ‘motivation’ can be really harmful to their mental wellbeing, which doesn’t bode well for their preparations. Instead, instil belief in your ward. Let them know that you are fully behind them, and that you believe in the beauty of their unique abilities.

Believe it or not, ‘examophobia’ – the fear of examinations, is a real issue and it presents a huge struggle for many children around the world. In place of criticism, parents can take a different route by seeking to understand their children and trying to view things from their perspectives. Ensure you always communicate regularly and effectively with your wards, to earn their trust.
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It also helps to ensure that your children are in the right physical condition for their examinations. Help them stay properly nourished by offering them a healthy dose of all the right vitamins in their daily meals. Also, constantly ensure that they stay properly hydrated before, during and even after their examinations.

No two kids are the same, meaning their learning styles will differ, too. As a parent, you need to understand what learning style suits your child. If your child prefers visual aspects, introduce visual learning sessions to him or her. You can easily find various platforms that provide educational content. The notion behind acquiring a learning style is to make it easy to memorise facts and key concepts better.

Parents should learn to celebrate the efforts of their children. Reward them for a job well done, with a treat or by purchasing special gifts to commemorate their feats. Such appreciation will spur them to carry on their flare and commitment onto future tests and examinations. Even when the results do not match expectations or previously set targets, it is important you commend the effort, and begin working with your ward to ensure an improvement in future examinations.
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