Today, grade 12 learners from multiple schools across the country would have officially started writing their first paper ever National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
While this is a proud moment for many as it marks the end of what was a wonderful twelve years of schooling, for others the idea of not knowing what to expect as they compile the entire year’s classroom activities into one examination paper could leave them filled with anxiety. Not to mention the amount of pressure that comes from family and friends with the expectation for them to excel.
If you have a matriculant in your home and desire for them to perform to the best of their ability without having them become anxious, then the following tips could be useful to you.
Here Is how you can support your matriculant:
Provide them with emotional support: The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) reveals that the best way to support your child is to show that you sympathise with their emotions. This is because there may be days when they have written the best paper of their lives, and others where it may not have gone as intended and may have emotional outbursts.
Encourage self-care: While the finals are considered the most important exams in one’s high schooling journey as it is the key to future success like a university degree and one’s dream job, Advantage Learn explains that it is important to encourage them to take some time off and focus on self-care.
“You can encourage them to schedule time slots where they can continue pursuing their hobbies in between their studies. By doing this, you’re creating a calm, balanced environment for your child to excel.”
Encourage instead of threaten: Encouraging your child is an effective way of getting the best out of them. “Give them praise for the hard work and effort that they are putting in and remind them of their own natural strengths,” explains SACAP.
Be observant: There may be times when your child will find him/herself struggling, it is important that you notice when this does happen. This would allow you to talk to them about it. SACAP highlights that it is important for them to know that you are near. “Take an interest in what they are learning and what they are writing.”
Manage your own anxiety: As a parent with a child in matric, it is important that you are in a good space so that you can be their pillar of strength. Life Choices therefore recommends that you practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness to help manage your own anxiety.
Also see: How to study effectively for exams
