03/09/2026
Exam season doesn't have to be overwhelming! 📚🎓
As high school learners prepare for crucial exams, parents play a powerful role in helping them succeed. According to Dr Rümando Kok, clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University, effective exam preparation is about much more than studying harder.
✅ Start preparing early�✅ Create a calm study environment�✅ Focus on quality study methods�✅ Prioritise sleep and wellbeing�✅ Encourage independence and responsibility�✅ Provide support, not pressure
“Exam time can be a challenging time for learners and their parents. In Grades 11 and 12, academic pressure increases drastically, while learners are also occupied with making important career choices that will affect their future. Although parents cannot learn on behalf of their children, they can play a vital role in fostering a healthy environment in which their children have the best possible chance of functioning optimally. That's why exam preparation is not just about "learning more”, but also about good planning, effective study methods, getting enough rest, providing emotional support, and encouraging independence.
1. Start exam preparation on time
One of the biggest mistakes learners make is only starting to study intensively when the exam is almost upon them. This approach puts enormous pressure on learners and can cause anxiety. Parents can encourage their child to draw up a realistic study plan early on, taking into account the exam timetable, subject content and the amount of time available for study. Large bodies of work can be broken down into smaller, manageable parts.
The learner should identify which parts of the work they understand well and which parts they are struggling with. They should then plan according to the time available and how much attention each subject requires. Don't forget to allow time for rest and sleep. An unrealistic study plan can lead to frustration and even burnout.
2. Create a calm and structured environment
One concentrates better when there is a designated study area. Providing a quiet, well-lit space with all the necessary stationery can make a big difference. Parents can also help by limiting distractions such as cellphones, social media, video games and television.
However, this does not mean that technology should be banned completely, just limited. Cell phones and computers can be valuable educational tools. The most important thing is to set clear boundaries and encourage self-discipline.
3. Quality over quantity
More study time does not necessarily lead to better learning. Effective studying involves active participation in the learning process. Encourage your child to use techniques such as active recall, practice questions and past papers, and making flashcards and summaries.
It is also helpful for them to explain what they have learnt in their own words, rather than simply rewriting text.
One good way to test one's level of understanding is to explain a concept to someone else. Parents do not necessarily need to know the subject content to be able to help. They can simply ask, "What did you learn today?"
4. Help your child identify weaknesses
Learners sometimes only study the work they already feel comfortable with. This creates a false sense of progress, while more difficult parts remain untouched. Children should ask a teacher or other appropriate person for help with work they are struggling with early on.
5. Don't sacrifice sleep in favour of extra studying
Good sleep habits are an important part of exam preparation. Although late-night study sessions can feel productive, insufficient sleep can negatively affect concentration, attention, memory, and emotional regulation.
6. Avoid making every conversation about grades
Questions such as "How much did you get?" or "Did you do better than Koos?" can shift the focus from learning to performance and comparison. Instead, ask the child how they experienced the paper. The message should be: "Your performance is important, but you are more important to us than your performance."
7. Watch out for signs of feeling overwhelmed
Exam stress is normal and can even be motivating. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can affect how a learner functions. Look out for sleep problems, tearfulness, irritability, withdrawal, loss of interest, constant worry and feelings of hopelessness. Don't simply dismiss these symptoms as "just exam stress". If symptoms are severe or persistent, seekina professional support can be valuable.
8. Help your child to live a healthy life
Physical well-being and academic functioning are closely intertwined. Regular and balanced meals, sufficient water, exercise and fresh air can support energy levels and concentration. A short walk, workout or break from the desk is not necessarily wasted time. It can actually help to get the brain and body ready to focus again.
9. Be supportive, not a critical "teacher" at home
Parents can sometimes start constantly monitoring their child's work out of fear, asking questions such as, "Have you studied?", "When are you going to study?", or "Why are you on your phone?"
While supervision and discipline are sometimes necessary, constant monitoring can cause conflict and have a negative effect on a child's self-confidence and motivation. A better approach is to discuss a plan with your child and then leave them to take responsibility. After all, grades 11 and 12 should also prepare learners for independence and further study or work.
10. Help your child keep things in perspective
The most important message that parents can convey during exam time is, "Do your best. Prepare well. Ask for help when you need it. But remember that you are not your grades."
The best way to support your child during exams is often not to create another study plan or constantly ask if they have studied. Rather, it is about being a safe base to which the child can return when the pressure becomes overwhelming. Ultimately, exam preparation is not just about academic performance, it's also about developing responsibility, independence, and the ability to deal with challenges in a healthy way.
Read the full article here:
https://www.news24.com/brandstory/partner-content/expert-shares-10-top-tips-to-help-your-high-school-child-study-better-20260828-0658
Exam time can be a challenging time for children and their parents. In grades 11 and 12, academic pressure increases drastically, while children are also occupied with making important career choices that will affect their future.
