Kids need support during exams

Parents must support their children during their matric exams and not put more pressure on them, psychologists said.

Clinical psychologist Pauline Mawson says:

• Parents should not set unrealistic goals or promise big rewards for doing well in the exams as this can lead to low self-esteem if a child doesn't perform well;
• They should rather encourage their children to do their best;

Educational psychologist Lizette Erasmus advises:

• Parents should not put more pressure on their children by giving them bad news when they are writing exams;
• They should give the children a break from their normal chores and not expect them "to work in the garden the whole Saturday".
• Parents can also lighten the mood in the house by being positive and making jokes.