Many students are about to sit their final exams. Some families seem to breeze through this time and others find it all incredibly stressful. It all depends on the family dynamics and the student’s attitude towards study. If there is a lot of underlying tension, then exam time will amplify that tension.
It’s not just the final year student who can be affected. Younger siblings can feel resentment because they are always being told to be quiet and all the attention seems to be focused on their brother or sister. Older siblings who have already been through it all can also feel miffed if they believe that they didn’t get as much support as their younger brother or sister. It’s a minefield to be carefully trodden.
It’s hard for parents if they don’t believe their child is studying enough. Nagging won’t help. In fact, it will make it worse. These kids are nearly adults and it’s up to them to put in the work. But you can make it easier for them to study by:
- creating a quiet environment
- cooking their favourite meals
- letting little things slide
- encouraging exercise and sleep
- keeping the exams in perspective
- helping them to have realistic goals
In a few weeks, it will all be over and everyone can breathe a sigh of relief …. until the next child hits year 12.
