Exam season can be a stressful time for teens. As their parents, we want to do our best to support them, but it can be difficult to discern exactly what they need from us and how involved we should be.
To give your teen the best possible chance of academic success, here are four ways you can support them through their exams.
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Create a positive study environment
Your teen will need a quiet, distraction-free space so they can study without interruption. If you’re able to, you might want to dedicate a room in your home to be used as an office space – alternatively, you could simply set up a desk area in your teen’s bedroom. Use simple decor that promotes a sense of calm to inspire your teen whilst keeping the space free from distractions. You’ll also want to ensure the area is stocked with everything they need to study effectively, like the appropriate learning materials, a comfortable desk and chair, and plenty of natural light.
A positive study environment also means keeping noise to a minimum in other areas of your home, so that your teen feels relaxed and comfortable enough to focus on their studies.
Be available to offer support
Your teen might need a little nudge to create a study schedule, or encouragement to take regular breaks throughout the day. No matter their needs, it’s crucial you’re available to offer your support when they need it.
Don’t forget that emotional support can go a long way. Exam time can be very stressful, and your teen may just need someone to chat with in between study activities to unwind and offload. Remember to regularly check in, and give them space when they need it.
Celebrate their successes
Your teen will be under a lot of pressure during exam season, so it’s important to give them something to look forward to and keep them motivated. While achieving success in their exams might be enough of a reward, many teens will appreciate celebrating the smaller accomplishments while studying.
You don’t have to give your teen a big extravagant reward – sometimes simply acknowledging how well they’re doing and how far they’ve come is enough to keep them inspired. However, you may want to offer small treats for reaching certain milestones – fun snacks work well and can help to ease some of the stress when studying for long hours.
Communicate with your teen
If in doubt, have an open, honest conversation with your teen about the best ways to support them. There is no one-size-fits-all here, and what someone else’s teen might need won’t always match the needs of your own.
Ask your teen how involved they’d like you to be in their studies. Do they want you to help create study materials and quiz them on their knowledge, or would they prefer to revise alone? Perhaps they want some gentle encouragement every now and then, or alternatively, they may tell you that they need strict rules to follow to help them stay focused.
Work with your teen to find the best solution for both of you and enjoy this time as a way to both support your child and deepen your bond.
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