Find out what your child needs
The most important thing is to tailor your help to your child’s needs. What does your child need? Is it practical help, or does your child mainly need moral support? Listen carefully, but do not hover too much. So do not ask too often how things are going, but let your child know that they can talk to you about any worries or problems they encounter while studying.
Create a calm environment
Provide a tidy, quiet place where your child can study without distractions. This can help improve concentration. A calm atmosphere can also make your child more likely to indicate what they need.
Provide emotional support
Listen to your child, encourage them and give positive feedback. Let them know that you are proud of them, regardless of the results. Staying positive can help reduce stress.
Have realistic expectations
Encourage your child to do their best, but do not put unrealistic pressure on them. Every child has their own pace and abilities.
Avoid comparisons
Do not compare your child with others. Every child is unique and has their own strengths and challenges.
Be flexible and understanding
Understand that this period can be stressful for your child and be flexible with household rules and expectations. For example, when it comes to helping with tidying up or other chores around the house that you have agreed on together.
Help with planning and organizing
Help your child create a realistic study schedule and set goals. This can help your child maintain control over all the coursework.
Agree on when your child will study
Do this to ensure that your child gets enough rest. For example, agree on an end time when your child has studied enough. Or agree that your child can chill for an hour after an exam before studying again for the next exam.
Help your child manage social media and mobile phone use
Above all, work with your child to find out what works best to prevent social media and mobile phone use from causing too much restlessness. For example, consider setting specific times to use the phone, such as taking a 5-minute break after every 25 minutes to scroll for a while, or messaging friends for 10 minutes after 50 minutes. For young people, the smartphone can also be a way to stay in touch with one another about the exams. Even then, it is a good idea to choose specific times for this, so that your child can stay focused for longer.
Encourage healthy habits and spoil your child a little
Encourage healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. This contributes to better concentration and mood. And pamper your child without making too much of it.
Make time for relaxation
Encourage your child to take regular breaks while studying to relax and recharge. This can help reduce stress and maintain balance.
Celebrate the successes
Celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements, regardless of the result. What matters is that they have done their best.
Do not focus solely on the exam
Silence and peace are essential, but the focus within the family should not be solely on your child and the exams.