Supporting Your Child Through the ATAR Years
As the year progresses and the countdown to Year 12 exams begins, it's natural for stress and anxiety to build up. The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is an important milestone, and while it holds significant value, it's essential to approach it with a balanced mindset. As a mum of four teenage and adult children, I understand the pressures students (and parents) face, and I’m here to provide some support and practical strategies to help your child manage exam-related stress effectively.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety
Before diving right into stress management techniques, let’s review what stress and anxiety are. Stress is a physical and emotional response to demanding situations, while anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear, often about future events. Both can affect your child's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and maintain a positive outlook.
Practical Stress Management Techniques
Create a Study Plan
Help your child create a well-structured study plan. Encourage them to break down their study sessions into manageable chunks and allocate specific times for each subject. Ensure they include breaks and leisure activities to avoid burnout. A balanced study plan not only enhances productivity but also provides a sense of control over their workload.
Stay Active
Encourage your child to remain engaged in regular physical activity. Whilst it may be tempting for students to drop exercise as exam pressure increases, exercise releases endorphins, which is great for mood and an overall sense of well-being. Plus, it’s a great way for students to take a break from study and refresh their mind.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Ensure your child is eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Encourage them to avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can increase anxiety levels. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, making it easier to cope with stress.
Connect with Others
Encourage your child to reach out to friends, family, or teachers for support. Sometimes, just knowing that others are there for them can significantly reduce anxiety.
Limit Distractions
Help your child identify and minimise distractions in their study environment. Have them create a quiet, organised space where they can focus. Suggest putting their phone away or using apps that block social media during study sessions to stay on track.
Seek Professional Help
If stress and anxiety become overwhelming for your child, seeking professional help is a proactive step. Counsellors can provide strategies tailored to their specific needs and help them navigate this challenging period more effectively.
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to remember that while the ATAR is important, it doesn’t define your child's future. There are multiple pathways to achieving their career and life goals. Maintaining a positive outlook and taking care of their mental health is crucial not just for exams, but for overall well-being.
If your child needs personalised strategies or just someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out. Let’s tackle this exam season with confidence, resilience, and a healthy mindset.