As we are fast approaching the final exam season for matriculants, we can’t run away from the fact that society puts a lot of pressure on them and as a consequence of expectations from teachers, the department, the school, parents, friends the church and peers we find many young people going into their exam room with so much fear. It is important to give our matriculants support as they bid their school life farewell.
Every child is unique …
S’lindile Ninela, a Psychological Registered Counselor, says that for parents to support their children during this time, they need to remind themselves that every child is unique: “this means that their son or daughter will do things differently. They will have their own study schedule, their method of studying will be different- some will study while sitting on the bed, others will study while sitting at a desk. Some will have earphones on, listening to music and another will require silence in the room/house. Parents must respect that and should not compare.”
She shares a few tips on how parents can play a supportive role:
- Parents should constantly check-in with their kids on the support that they require. They can even go as far as being involved in the studying process. They can offer to assist the child with a section of their scope or curriculum by making it fun for them.
- Parents should be realistic with their expectations– yes, we want our kids to excel in all their subjects but remember each child has their own strengths and weaknesses and that is a great way of self-discovering oneself / being aware of your own capabilities, not only for the child but for the parent as well. Setting high standards for the child can add loads of pressure on them, hindering them from reaching their fullest potential.
- Parents should try and promote a healthy lifestyle- they need to be mindful of what they cook for their matriculants. Children should have enough fruit, vegetables and keep hydrated. Encourage the child to have mini stretch breaks, go outside for some air and sunlight.
Be mentally prepared …
Be mentally prepared for the exam room with these techniques: Ninela says, matrics can have mental health routines / morning rituals that they maintain, such as:
- Have an affirmation jar- that will remind them “they are the best at being them”, that “they are good enough”, that “they can do this” etc.
- Utilise breathing exercises before entering the exam room.
- Avoid spending time discussing what they’ve learnt and what they couldn’t learn with friends, as this may cause anxiety.
- Listen to inspirational music or spiritual music for upliftment.
It is important for young people to be open with an adult they trust so they understand and know where to offer support. “Opening up or reaching out is being so courageous, we don’t all have it figured out. We need that one person who will just remind us that we are capable and we can conquer. We need an adult who will mentor and give us guidance on how to walk the journey- remember they’ve been there, done that and succeeded in it,” explains Ninela.
Tips for exam preparation…
5 Tips to help prepare for Exams:
- Have a study schedule in place and keep to it.
- Spend more time on subjects that you struggle with or require more time and assistance on.
- Don’t be shy to ask for additional help from the teacher or classmates that do well in the subject.
- Take stretch breaks.
- Eat sufficient amounts of appropriate foods.
Sharing words of encouragement, Ninela says that young people should know they’ve got this: “They’ve got the strength, they’ve got the time, they’ve got people that care for them, they have people that are willing to help them, they have people that believe in them and above all else THEY HAVE GOD BY THEIR SIDE. If they start understanding how much they have in their favour then they will journey on this road with ease. All the best to the matriculants of 2023 – our future leaders.”
S’lindile Ninela is a Psychological Registered Counsellor and an Employee Wellbeing Consultant. She is a solider at Umlazi Corps in the Mid KwaZulu Natal Division.