The final exam period of any subject or course can be daunting, especially when you have a number of exams to get through!

It is important to manage stress levels and be proactive about staying on top of things. Here are a few tips for students and parents to think about.

For Students:

• Establish a routine for study – have a timetable and write lists of tasks you aim to complete during each study period. Tick off each item when it is done (which makes you feel like you are achieving progress!)
• Exercise – just a short walk will make you feel better. Yes – you still need to take brief periods of time out for exercise if you want to perform at your best!
• Self-talk – this is what you say to yourself, or your own internal dialogue. Make sure your self-talk remains positive and motivating.
• Eat well – chocolate and soft drinks won’t help you during exams and in fact will make you feel worse. You need water and plenty of fruit, veggies and wholesome food. It really does make your brain work better!
• Sleep – this is essential for optimal performance. Studying after 10pm is pointless as you will not retain the information properly and you will feel and perform worse the next day. So get a good night’s sleep instead.
• Relaxation – do a relaxing activitiy before bed to help you tune out and wind down. You can download relaxation apps or relaxing music or read a book. But stay away from bright screens and lights close to bed time.

For Parents:

• Talk in a positive way – be encouraging and motivating. Questions such as, “Have you been studying?” when you child comes out of their room can easily be taken as an accusation or construed in a negative way. It would be more helpful to say, “You have been doing a great job – keep up the good work!”
• Provide healthy snacks – stock the kitchen well. Cut up fruit and encourage your child to drink water rather than soft drinks. Make some healthy muffins.
• Encourage exercise – a simple walk can do wonders!
• Maintain routines – talk about how to stick to healthy routine with your child.
• Bedtime – suggest an early bedtime and encourage no studying after 10 pm.

Deborah on radio

I was interviewed by Glenn Ridge on MyMp Radio (1377 AM) to discuss how parents should speak with their children after their first VCE exam.

You can listen to the interview by clicking play below:

Or you can read the transcript (PDF) of the interview.