Understand and Encourage: When facing a stressed and anxious matriculant, replace a ‘been there, done that, now you can too’ approach with ‘I understand’ and encouragement.
Acknowledge your child’s efforts: Noticing and affirming their choices such as turning down a party to study or going for a quick run before getting back to the books can lift the spirits and instil confidence.
Manage Your Expectations: Keep your expectations about this particular child’s matric process and outcomes realistic and make adjustments if they are not. Each child is different, and your child currently going through matric won’t be going through it like older siblings might have.Review Responsibilities: See where you can help by temporarily relieving your matriculant of time-consuming family responsibilities.
For instance, it is likely to be appreciated if they are not expected to babysit younger siblings as they might usually do.Maintaining Balance: Model a healthy balance by inviting them out for walk or suggesting watching a favourite TV programme when they’ve been locked in studies for hours
“Parents can play a role in supporting the mental well-being of a matriculant.”
Once you’ve conquered matric and completed your trial by fire, it’s time to contemplate the next stage your journey. Consider studying counselling and psychology. SACAP offers a wide range of qualifications, including and a one-of-a-kind approach to learning: academic rigour and applied skills.
For more information on how to successfully get through your matric exams, watch as our expert speakers give advice on emotional well-being, healthy eating and movement here
