Parents are not only the caregivers to children but also play a big role in their physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. When parents support their children in what they do it helps the child feel emotionally secure which by itself is a great asset during stressful times like exams and other challenges that they might go through. 

Remember that the outcome of examinations, though important in our country is not the only evaluator of their skills or success, offer them support whatever the outcome. Children should know that even if they have failed in a task they will still be loved and cared for by their parents.

So what does providing support involve? It primarily means the parent is aware, helpful, and involved in what the child is doing.

Here are some strategies which will help you be more supportive of your child during exams:

• Be sure to be organised in all that you have to get done, so that you have mind space and the time to attend to your children.

• Try and ensure that the environment at home is  peaceful and stress-free. This promotes better study habits. 

• A healthy, refreshing diet provides constant supply of energy for the child. Encourage your child to consume small frequent meals/healthy snacks, and plenty of liquids.

• Have family meals—make it a time of talking about topics that interest the children.  

• Ensure that all get a good night’s sleep- Children aged 6 to 13 need 9-11 hours of sleep; teenagers need 8 to 10 hours.

• Promote a good study environment—encourage your child to study at a table, with sufficient light, etc. 

• Let the child take breaks, go for a walk, play for a short time outside.

• Avoid digital/electronic distractions.

• Instil confidence in the child—Let the child hear from you that they can do well 

• Understand your child’s study technique. Getting the child to teach another what they are learning consolidates the facts in their mind. They could teach it to you. 

• Discuss with the child the exam format and help the child be confident of how to answer.

• Avoid detailed discussion of the exam paper after the exam, you could ask the child how the exam was, but do not be judgemental.