Five tips for helping your child prepare for their exams
End-of-year examinations are just around the corner, making this a potentially stressful time for both children and their parents.
With exams fast approaching, now is a good time to go over strategies for dealing with end-of-year exam nerves and boosting your child’s confidence!
1. Know your child’s exam timetable
Make sure you are aware of your child’s exam dates. Make a note of them on your calendar. Knowing how much time your child needs to prepare will allow you and your child to properly schedule study times and reduce the likelihood of your child becoming overwhelmed.
2. Ensure your child has a proper place to study
Encourage your child to study at a desk while sitting upright in a supportive chair in a quiet environment. Even though it is more comfortable, studying in bed is less effective!
3. Make sure your child gets enough sleep
Adequate sleep is critical, especially when studying for exams. Sleep is beneficial to both the body and the mind. When you sleep, your heart rate slows, breathing rate slows, body temperature drops, and muscles relax, all of which aid in energy conservation. Sleep also provides an opportunity for the brain to heal itself.
4. Provide your child with a nutritious diet
A diet high in whole grains (oats, brown rice, wheat bread), omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, nuts and seeds, avocado), and vitamins (eggs, leafy greens) has been shown to improve brain function and development, as well as concentration.
5. On the day of the exams
Things to remember on the big day:
- Make sure your child has a good, nutritious breakfast, such as eggs on toast with avocado.
- Engage in positive self-talk: remind your child of the time and effort they have put into studying for the exam.
- Remind your child to take three deep breaths to help them relax and read all of the instructions thoroughly.
