News
Help is at hand for parents coping with exam stress!
Friday 2 May 2008
Exam time is fast approaching for pupils in Scotland, and as any parent or carer knows the run up to this time of year can be extremely stressful for everyone in the family!
To help ease tension, parenting helpline ParentLine Scotland (0808 800 2222) has put together some top tips for parents to help them cope and support their children during exam time.
"Children may feel under pressure from people at school and home when it comes to exams and the prospect of being tested can be overwhelming, especially if they feel they haven't done enough" said helpline manager Jill Cook, "Parents have concerns about finding a balance between wanting their children to do well in exams and not putting too much pressure on them."
The good news for parents is that they can make a real difference, and ParentLine Scotland can offer advice on how to do so. Top tips include:
- There are very few things in life in which you only get one chance - and exams are NOT one of them. Reassure children that if they do flunk this time, they can always re-sit.
- Arrange their and your schedules around revision. Be flexible about chores and untidiness, give them a break and understand lost tempers and moodiness.
- It's never too late to study, revise or ask for help!
- You might not understand the details of their work, but you can help them plan it.
- Bribes or presents conditional on getting high grades aren't the best way to help young people. It is far better to encourage them to work for their own satisfaction and schedule small and frequent rewards for effort.
ParentLine Scotland, the free confidential helpline run by Scottish charity CHILDREN 1ST is on hand to offer advice or just a friendly listening ear, and its highly trained call takers can provide information, reassurance and emotional support to stressed out parents.
Last updated: Saturday 11 April 2009
