How to support your teen through Year 12 exams?
For year 12 students, exams can be the most stressful period of their high school experience. We have complied a list of ways you can support your child during this time.
Year 12 can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for students with exam and assessment pressure, ATAR results, course decisions and future planning. It is an intense time that requires focus and disciple for students and can be equally as stressful for parents wanting to support their children.
Create a dedicated study space
Make sure your teenager has a designated quiet space in the home for their study. This will likely be somewhere removed from the family and ideally separate from their own bedroom. This will allow them to shut the door and concentrate but also have a separate space just for studying that allows them to have a clear distinction and balance between study and personal life.
Build a study timetable
When your teen receives their exam timetable, it’s a good idea to sit with them and create a study timetable. This will help them feel more prepared and make sure they are aware of what they have when. You can also plan for any study breaks and include their hobbies to ensure they have the right balance between study and recreation.
Discuss managing methods for stress
Keep communication open with your child and let them know you’re there to talk. Work through some stress management methods like taking breaks often, deep and mindful breathing and building positive habits. Your child cannot change the situation and will likely stress about the ‘what ifs’. Help walk them through building a study plan, and preparing for exam conditions.
By helping them focus on the task at hand and not the potential issue that may go wrong, your child will be set up better for success. At the end of the day, make sure you reduce the pressure and support them where they need.
Encourage healthy eating and sleeping habits
Sleep should be a priority during this time, as if your teenager is tired, this can lead to small mistakes that could have a big impact on their final exam. For them to function at their best, make sure they aim for 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
If they are struggling to switch off before bed, we recommend:
- Reducing their screen time
- Listen to calming music
- Read a book
- Drink an herbal tea
- Limiting caffeine intake close to bed
Also ensure they are eating right during this time, as sometimes eating healthy and consistent meals can fall off during the exam period. Prepare nutritious meals and snacks that they can easily grab when on break.
Get them moving and social
Encourage your teen to continue with any regular sporting commitments or social interactions and hobbies. This will give them a chance to unwind and clear their head between any study. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and will help to keep them more productive. Even going for a walk together or debriefing after an exam can help them to relax and prepare for their next exam.
Offer support and reassurance
The best way to support your teenager during this time is to reassure them. There are many pathway options if they don’t get into their preferred course. Remind them of their efforts and how proud you are, no matter the outcome. A confidence boost is sometimes all they need during such a stressful time.
