5 Ways Parents Can Help Your Child Manage PSLE Stress

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is a significant milestone for every child in Singapore. As parents, it is natural to want the best for your child and ensure they excel in their exams. However, it is also important to avoid placing undue stress on them, which can negatively affect their mental and emotional health and their studies. 

Encouraging your child while minimising their stress levels requires a delicate balancing act. So how can you achieve this goal? Let us share how you can help your child navigate this demanding period while maintaining their well-being and overall development.

Tip #1: Ensure your child has a balanced schedule

Creating a PSLE study plan is a time management method that can reduce your child’s level of stress by teaching him/her how to use time wisely. A well-thought schedule includes dedicated time for their PSLE tuition, relaxation, hobbies, and socialising with friends. 

It is also important to incorporate regular breaks to promote a healthy study-life balance and ensure they get adequate rest, a nutritious diet, and sufficient exercise to enhance their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. By encouraging them to follow the schedule, your child also learns to manage their time wisely and feel in control of their life, making them feel calmer and reduce level of stress. 

Tip #2: Avoid placing undue stress on your child

While it is essential to encourage and motivate your child, it is equally crucial to avoid placing undue pressure on them. Your intentions might be commendable, but it can lead to your child fearing they will disappoint you if they do not perform well. Instead, you should be conscious of their abilities and set reasonable and achievable goals for the best results!

Tip #3: Recognise when your child is feeling stressed and talk to them

You know your child best! As such, you will be more attuned and sensitive to their needs. So when you notice signs of distress, initiate a conversation with your child and encourage them to open up about their feelings and concerns. Active listening and empathetic responses can provide them comfort and reassurance during this stressful period.

Meanwhile, do not hesitate to approach your child’s school or tuition centre for clarification. Ensure you are on the same page regarding your child’s workload and learning objectives. This way, you can monitor their work and help them with any difficulties when required. 

Tip #4: Reassure your child that results are not everything

As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your child understand that their worth is not solely defined by their academic performance. Instead, you should focus on personal growth rather than results and encourage them to do their best.

By creating a supportive and positive environment, you can nurture greater self-belief in your child and alleviate some of the stress they may be experiencing. Children who feel confident about themselves tend to perform better in exams than those who doubt their abilities.

Tip #5: Provide help when necessary

While independence and self-reliance are crucial traits to develop in your child, it is equally vital to provide support when they need it. However, if guiding your child with their homework is not your strong suit, fret not. Your help can come in various forms. 

One way is to enrol your child in a reputable tuition centre for a particular subject they struggle with. Coming up with an exam strategy or teaching your child the importance of time awareness can help them remain calm during their exams and avoid panicking, which can cloud their judgement and lead to poor results.

The PSLE period need not be a stressful time for your child. With your love, support, and understanding, your child can navigate through this vital phase of their education journey effectively without neglecting their overall well-being and happiness! 

If you seek a reputable tuition centre to help your child prepare for their PSLE, look no further than The Eton Academy by EtonHouse. As one of the best tuition centres in Singapore, our lessons are designed to complement and strengthen your child’s learning in school while nurturing them to be curious and self-directed learners. Learn more about our programmes and register your child for a complimentary trial class today!