Supporting Your Child Through Year 12 and the HSC
When a child is preparing for year 12 and the HSC, it’s never a solitary journey. Parents too must experience the rigors and stress of the process. Here are a few ways for you, as a parent, to help your child along the way.
Subject Choices
Way before Year 11 and the HSC even starts, our kids face one of their biggest hurdles—choosing the subjects they will commit to for the next two years. Be sure to discuss with your child what subjects they’re considering and why. Open conversations can help them explore their choices and encourage them to select subjects that will be both beneficial and enjoyable. A student will never perform well in a class they’re not interested in. Pressuring them into a subject that doesn’t resonate will only increase stress, compounding the challenges. **Stress plus duress equals a less successful student.**
Scheduling
Success in Year 12 is all about balance. Our kids need to juggle schoolwork, part-time jobs (if applicable), social life, family time, and hobbies. It’s crucial they set aside time each week for all these areas. Overcommitting to any one aspect creates imbalance and stress. Without a well-balanced and *adhered-to* schedule, students risk neglecting important areas of their lives, resulting in unnecessary stress. 📅
Stress Management
As parents, we often find ourselves more stressed than the students themselves. This stress can have a “bleed-through” effect, creating a tense environment that isn’t conducive to effective study. While it’s natural to want your child to succeed, the key is to foster a balanced study schedule and avoid pushing for endless cramming sessions. Encourage calm, positivity, and realistic expectations. 🌿
Nutrition, Sleep & Health
In preparation for exams, ensuring your child is well-rested and well-nourished is more important than ever. A healthy body fuels a healthy mind. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and maintaining physical activity—even when exams are on the horizon. Encourage your child to maintain good sleeping patterns; a tired brain cannot retain or process information effectively. Those extra hours spent studying at the expense of sleep can often do more harm than good. 😴
Book Your Maths Tutor!
Booking a trial session and finding the perfect tutor for your child is a straightforward process at EzyMathTutoring.
Study Environment
Make sure your child has an appropriate space to study at home. It should be quiet, well-lit, and free of distractions. Many kids try to study in their bedrooms, but with the presence of phones, computers, and other distractions, it’s far from ideal. Consider relocating the study area or temporarily disabling internet access during study sessions. A focused environment enhances learning effectiveness. 🧑💻
Providing Support
Offer support where possible, whether it’s helping with learning materials or encouraging them to seek additional help. If you’re unable to assist directly, don’t hesitate to ask a teacher, family friend, or relative for support, or even engage a private tutor. Ensure that your help is welcomed, not forced—this ensures your child feels empowered, not pressured.
The End is in Sight
Remember, the HSC is not the end of the world; it’s just a major step in the long journey of your child’s education. Always keep the bigger picture in mind: the end is in sight, not nigh!
