A post-exam break will help you ace that vital parent-child connection

Take advantage of the school holidays to get to know your child better and strengthen your bond.

- Deborah Giam

Each year, after the exam season comes to a close, my teenage daughter and I embrace a cherished tradition: a getaway just for the two of us. These post-exam breaks have become a time we both eagerly look forward to and hold close to our hearts.

These trips allow us to shift the focus away from school and rediscover the bond we have beyond the day-to-day rush of academics, routines and extracurricular activities. Instead of focusing on things I would typically enjoy, I put the spotlight on her preferences.

One year when we were in Bangkok, we visited her favourite shops and amusement parks, and even went to a cat cafe.

When she was younger, one of our favorite ways to escape from the routine of studying and tuition was a weekend trip to the Botanic Gardens. It was the perfect setting for her two greatest joys - dogs, and even more dogs. We never really made it very far during each trip, but it always brought her great joy.

The dedicated time together over the years has strengthened our relationship and allowed me to appreciate her as an individual, beyond her academic performance.

With exams wrapped up and the school holidays started, it's a good time for parents to reflect on how you can spend this period with your child.

Exams bring a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, intense focus, and even worries tied to the results. This leaves children - not to mention, parents - emotionally and physically drained.

Once that pressure ends, many kids feel exhausted or experience an overwhelming sense of relief - but this can quickly be followed by nervous energy, or even post-exam blues.

WHY POST-EXAM BREAKS MATTER

Post-exam holidays play an important role in allowing the time for a mental and emotional reset. It's not just about the chance to relax. These longer holidays offer parents and children a chance to reconnect and recover from the academic grind.