This year has been extremely difficult for the class of 2020. Matrics spent most of the year under lockdown and closed doors due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. During the gradual opening of schools, matrics were the first to go back, in the midst of anxiety. Since they did most of their lessons and studies remotely, they were under immense pressure to catch up on the lessons missed. As a result, they may be feeling overwhelmed and worried about whether they will make the year or not. With your guidance and support as a parent, they can make it. You can give them advice and motivate them to end this year on a high note.
Never too late
Your teen’s confidence in their performance may be low but you can encourage them to put in the effort, study smart, and use their time effectively in order to ace matric. In the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi, “You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.”
Stop stressing
Stress takes up a lot of energy and time and can become a project in itself. There is no use in focusing on what could have been. Tell your child that the best way to deal with the stress they are feeling is to put their energy into their studies. This may be easier said than done, but it is vital that they stop focusing on how stressed they are in order to be able to concentrate on their work.
Study, study, study
The secret to passing matric is studying. Make sure your child is utilising their time wisely to study. You can help as a parent by sourcing study guides and past exam papers available to help them. Your child can work through old exam papers and highlight sections they need to put energy on. Encourage your child not to invest much time on subject matters they are familiar with but to rather identify the sections they don’t know and study those first. You can also be of help by paying for a tutor to help your child focus on areas of weakness.
Focus on relaxing
Although you want your child to excel in their academic work, you need to encourage them to find a balance. When they can no longer concentrate, do not force them to continue studying. Ask your child to take a break and they can use it to exercise and get some fresh air. Deep breathing is the best way to help you relax and also supplies oxygen to the brain.
You are what you eat
Do not buy your child energy drinks, no matter how much they beg you. Make sure you provide them with a healthy diet with food such as:
- Fish
- Bananas
- Chocolate
- Raw or steamed fruits and vegetables
- Avocado
- Whole grain cereals and bread
- Yoghurt
- Sweet potatoes
- Turkey
- Beef
- Eggs
- Nuts
Sleep peaceful sleep
Ensure your child is getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Pulling an all-nighter before an exam or test will not give them the best chance of succeeding. The less sleep they have, the more difficulty they will experience concentrating and doing well. Monitor if they are not taking sleeping pills as a side effect of the pills is that they may be too drowsy in the morning, which can hamper concentration.
