Is your child in their matric year? Congratulations, it is a great milestone in your child’s life as well as yours. Twelve years of dedication, commitment and challenges has brought you and your child to this point.
Now that your child/dren is finally in matric, you are anxious and concerned about how to support your child! It is very normal to feel that way!
The matric year is extremely busy and stressful for the learners and parents alike. The pressure of the year tends to affect families in many ways. Parents MUST pay a key role in supporting their children through this trying time. Below are some tips for parents with children in matric
- Affirm and encourage your child – People thrive when their strengths are highlighted, pick the things that your child does well and acknowledge them. This will boast their confidence and enable a ‘I can do it attitude’.
- Keep learners in a positive mindset – Parents MUST ensure that they keep the home and surroundings positives. Do you “clutter” your child’s mind with worries and concerns during this very stressful and important exam period.
- Be informed – In the Matric year, a lot goes on. The learners apply for university, they decide what they would like to study and of course they write the final exams. As a parent seek key information about application dates, career options that interest your child, entry requirements for universities, National Benchmarking Test dates and bursary options. Knowing this information will help you plan better.
- Encourage Balance – I am sure you have heard the term ‘all work and no play makes John a dull boy’ – it is important to encourage your child to have regular breaks and continue the activities they really enjoy. Perhaps a timetable might help with managing time.
- Manage your own anxiety – For you to be a pillar of strength for your child it is important that you are in a good space. Take time to practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness to manage your own anxiety. If you master these skills, you can easily role model them to your child.
- Ask for help – There are resources that are available to assist you. You are not alone in this journey. The school, your family, your friends and your community can be of assistance to you. Utilize the resources available to you.
- Be supportive – Show your child that you understand the challenges and that you will support them, no matter what the outcome. Reassure them that they must just do their best.
Many parents have been through this journey and they have survived. Stay calm, positive and supportive. Your child/ren needs you now more than ever before. Be there for them.
