IB Parents, How Should You Support Your Child During Exams?

During my exams, I particularly enjoyed jelly drinks, rice crackers, and wafers, as these were the most refreshing and accessible snacks I had around. Each person will certainly have distinct preferences, so do check with your child in regards to what they need to be all refreshed.

Of course, preparing snacks at home isn’t the only way you can provide an extra boost for your child! You can also take them out for a short meal outside! Letting them take a breath of fresh air away from piles of notes and the thick IB textbooks can help them feel much better for their exam.

Giving Space

In between all the studying and exam hours, your child certainly needs time to rest. Even while they’re reviewing for their upcoming exams, they need some time for themselves. Keeping an eye on them 24/7 to ensure they’re studying well can cause discomfort.

As such, allow your child to have some independence in how they organize themselves for the finals! As much as they need your support, they need their own space to think clearly and uplift themselves throughout the exams period.

In order to make sure you are not disturbing your child, try to speak with them far before their first exam about their no-disturbance periods and boundaries. You can then adjust your approach to their needs. For example, if they state that they wish to be undisturbed between 8PM until 10PM to study, you can then block out this time frame for other activities!

Celebrating Achievements

Your child has probably studied very hard for their exams, and like any other person, they want their hard work to be valued and appreciated!

At the end of each exam, let your child know that they’ve done their best and that you’re proud of them! Keep their spirits lifted for the coming exam sessions. Once exams are fully done, they would definitely enjoy a small celebration with you! Whether it’s a simple dinner or a full-fledged trip somewhere, it’s great to invest some time into celebrating your child’s achievements, as they are also one of your greatest achievements!

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The IB exams will be one of the most, if not the most important part of your child’s secondary education journey. Having been a part of their lives for long, your care for them will be especially needed throughout the challenging exams.

Regardless of the final results, we hope that you will be proud of whatever your child has achieved. Each child is tailored towards a different field, each with different expected skill sets and qualities. Beyond the IB exams, keep supporting your child through their further studies, careers, and more!