For Parents: Supporting your child through PSLE, O/A Levels

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Everyone knows that the bond between parent and child is strong. So strong -- that when children get anxious over crucial examinations, parents can’t help but worry along too. Here are some things you can do to help your child (and yourself) tide through this difficult part of their life!

Manage your own expectations

Of course, we expect the best for our children. However, being constantly told to “get straight As” or “be the top in the cohort” can place copious amounts of stress and pressure on your child. 

Start by understanding that not every child will be the best at everything, and that your child is no exception. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, instead of pushing your child to excel beyond their capacities, we should encourage them to try their best and take ownership of their own successes. 

Find out their strengths and weaknesses

As mentioned previously, knowing your strengths and weaknesses is a great way to understand what needs improvement and what can be perfected. Spend some time with them to review test papers or past year examinations, and discover which topics and subjects they might need more help in. That way, your child’s revision can be more succinct and effective. 

Encourage good studying techniques

If you encourage your child to develop good studying habits steadily throughout the years, they might not have to cope with as much stress when their exam season rolls around.

For example, don’t revise at the last minute, study daily, eliminate distractions and review mistakes as much as possible. It is particularly helpful to practise sleeping and waking early, as most exams occur in the morning. 

Talk about goals and failure

It’s always good to keep a grounded perspective on life. Why are you studying so hard? What good is it to get good grades? Discussing your child’s future goals and how hard work can help achieve them is a good way to foster a sense of self-motivation. 

On the other hand, talking about failure and what that would pertain to (for example, retaining an extra year or being unable to get into their school of choice) is another effective way to incentivise them. However, when discussing stressful topics like this, try to keep a firm but supportive tone so as to not discourage and put them down. 

Motivate, love and care for them

Last but not least, the foremost duty of a parent is to love their child. There is only so much you can do to give them external support. But your love and sincere encouragement will surely go a long way in making your child feel supported.