A Parent's Guide to Helping Their Students

The sun is shining, the days are getting longer and the smell of barbecues is in the air. That only means one thing: summer is coming! But before we can celebrate those long, lazy days of summer, we first have to survive those infamous exams. This is a stressful period for both high school and higher education students. As a parent, you naturally want to help your child, but sometimes you're not sure how. Don't worry, with these practical tips, you can optimally support your student during this challenging period.

‍1. Communicate and Listen: The Power of Openness
Effective help starts with good communication. Ask your student in a quiet time in advance how you can best help them. Each student is unique and has different needs. Would they like help while making a study plan? Or would they prefer regular meal timing to create structure? Perhaps your child would like to be quizzed or woken up when he or she is about to oversleep. These are all very personal things.

Listen carefully to your student's answers and understand his or her feelings. Let your child know you're there for them regardless of the outcome of the exams. Make concrete agreements about how you want to support your child. This is how you create a plan together that everyone can stick to.

2. Healthy Food: Fuel for Body and Mind
‍One of the best things you can do as a parent is to provide healthy and nutritious meals during the exam period. Make sure you have a varied range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, which can interfere with concentration and energy levels. Focus on healthy food, because your student is already exercising less during this period.

When providing snacks, place them at a location your student visits during a break. By getting into their room, you can disrupt their concentration, which sometimes takes 15 minutes to rebuild. A note on the counter like “there are strawberries in the fridge" or a small bowl of nuts at the room door works wonders.

3. Social Contact: The Perfect Break
‍Humans are social creatures. Even the most introverted person needs social contact. Because your student spends a lot of time with their nose in the books, this social contact has been drastically reduced. So turn meals into social activities. For example, invite the grandparents to come over for dinner or chat with your student during lunch instead of watching a series together.

4. Sincere Support and Encouragement: Small Gestures Go a Long Way
‍Let your student know that you believe in them and wish them success right before every exam. A simple text message with an encouraging message can already make a big difference. Even if you're not there physically, your support and trust are worth their weight in gold.

5. Let Your Student Out: A Boost for Concentration and Mood
‍The human brain works better with fresh air. Suggest that your student studies outside. If this is not possible due to rain, allergies, temperature, or other reasons, make sure your student opens their window enough. Furthermore, 15 minutes of exercise outside helps enormously. Even if your student still has a lot to do, there are solutions such as walking outside for 15 minutes while your student recites or reads theory.

6. Be Patient: Even More than Usual
‍Living with teenagers or adolescents isn't always easy, especially during exams. They can be irritable and moody. Try to show understanding and don't take their behavior personally. Everyone deals with stress and pressure differently, so give them the space they need.

Conclusion: Succeeding together
Exam stress is a reality for many students, but with the right support from home, they don't have to go through this period alone. By communicating openly, ensuring a healthy living environment, stimulating social activities, encouraging your child and promoting fresh air and exercise, you can make a huge difference.

Remember that every child is unique and has their own way of learning and dealing with stress. Be flexible, patient, and most importantly, let your child know you're always there for them. Together, we will succeed in making this challenging period a success!