As a teacher and a mother of three, I offer some insight into how we can make this period not only manageable but an opportunity for growth. With the right strategies in place, from visible thinking tools to proper nutrition and mental wellness, we can help our children thrive during this time.
Let’s explore five key areas that can make a real difference: study strategies, planning, healthy eating, mental well-being, and, most importantly, your support as a parent or care-giver.
Learning is not about memorising facts. Suppose we viewed it as an understanding, application and connecting ideas. Visible thinking routines, developed by Harvard’s Project Zero (Ritchhart, Church & Morrison, 2011), help students make their thinking clear and deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to draw, talk and write their understanding. Thinking becomes more powerful when it’s made visible. Did you know that the highest form of knowing is the ability to communicate your understanding of what has been taught?
Cramming the night before an exam is ineffective and stressful. We have all done this at least once. Instead, students benefit from well-structured study plans.
Research shows that spaced repetition and frequent retrieval of information over time enhance long-term learning and retention (Brown, Roediger & McDaniel, 2014).
Students feel more in control when they have a routine. Assist and guide them to remain to a rhythm that includes downtime - not screen time, sleep and family connection.
The link between nutrition and academic performance is well-documented. The brain uses over 20% of the body’s energy, especially during periods of concentration and stress. A balanced diet supports memory, attention and emotional regulation (Benton, 2010).
Exams can trigger anxiety, especially in students who are already perfectionists or those who fear failure. Mental health is a foundational part of success.
A calm, well-supported student is far more likely to succeed than one who is overwhelmed or afraid.
A healthy mindset during exams often starts with a calm home environment.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to remind your child: they are not alone. Your belief in them, your patience and your consistent support can turn anxiety into motivation.
Exams are just one part of the educational journey. They are not a measure of your child’s worth, intelligence or potential, they are simply a moment to reflect, consolidate and grow.
Remember, in this exam season and beyond, your child's well-being is their greatest asset. Support their efforts, celebrate their progress and above all, remind them that their worth is never defined by a single score.
Exams are a chapter, not the whole story. As parents, your role is to help them approach it with confidence and character, knowing that the most valuable lessons are learned far beyond the test paper.
