POLOKWANE – Gr 12 learners across the province started their National Senior Certificate exams on Monday and the pressure to perform is often great.

Karlien Roggeband, a counselor at Hoërskool Pietersburg, gives the following tips to parents on how to support their children during this time.

1. Create a structured study space. Allocate a quiet, organized space for study, free of distractions. A favorable environment helps children to concentrate better and improves their information retention.

2. Encourage a study time schedule. Help your child develop a balanced study time schedule that includes breaks. A structured schedule can reduce anxiety and prevent last-minute studying, which promotes better performance.

3. Promote healthy habits. Encourage good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep. Healthy habits improve concentration, energy levels and overall well-being, which are essential during exam periods.

4. Practice positive introduction. Offer encouragement and praise for effort, not just results. Positive introduction increases self-esteem and motivation, making children feel more confident in their abilities.

5. Be available for support. Make time for open discussions about their feelings and any worries about exams. Emotional support helps relieve stress and promotes resilience, enabling children to approach exams with a positive attitude.

Roggeband says that by applying these strategies, parents can create a supportive atmosphere that improves their children’s academic performance and emotional well-being during the exams.