With many Year 12 students participating in exams it’s a timely reminder to us all to think about how we can effectively support our young people.
FOR PARENTS
- Be available without being intrusive.
- Spend regular time with your children.
- Show that you are interested in what’s happening in their life and try not to focus on things that you think are a problem.
- Take their feelings seriously – show empathy, listen carefully and don’t judge.
- Encourage and support positive friendships.
- Let them know that you love them.
Also provided below are some tips for our young people.
FOR STUDENTS:
- Learn new ways to handle tough times. Taking time to think about how you’re handling tough times is important.
- Get into life. Keep doing the stuff you love to do and the things that are important to you.
- Connect. Spending time with family, friends (including pets) and people in your community can help strengthen your mental health and wellbeing.
- Stay active. Make time to take a break from study or work or hanging out.
FOR EXAM STRESS
- Find a quiet place to study without distractions.
- Find out as much as you can about the exam to prepare.
- Learn to make “mind maps” and use them to collect ideas and thoughts, use bright colours to help remember important links.
- Take regular short breaks – use this time to have a drink or something to eat, or play with a pet.
- Ask for help – if you’re having trouble with studying ask a teacher, friend, sibling or parent to help.
