HOW PARENTS CAN TRANSFORM MATRIC EXAM STRESS INTO SUCCESS FOR THEIR TEENS

WITH prelims underway and final Matric exams approaching, many Grade 12 learners feel the pressure building. For them, these exams are more than just another test; they mark the start of life after high school.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

The stress is real, and for many teens, it’s not only about grades but also about worries of letting their families down or not securing their future.

That's where parents come in.

“Parental support during exam season can make all the difference,” says Refilwe Maakamedi, the assistant principal: social services and counsellor at SPARK Schools.

“It’s less about perfection and more about presence. When parents walk alongside their children with empathy and perspective, the pressure feels lighter”

So, how can parents step in without stepping on toes? Here are underrated, research-backed hacks to help scholars not only survive exam season but also prepare for the life waiting after high school.

1. Focus on strengths, not scores

Every child has unique talents, but many carry the weight of parental expectations. According to Maakamedi, “Scholars often feel they're living for their parents’ approval, which adds unnecessary stress.”

Tools like aptitude testing and career mapping can help learners align their next steps with their interests, reducing the risk of burnout or dropouts later. This is crucial, especially as the World Health Organization reports suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 19-year-olds worldwide.

Parent hack: Celebrate your child’s effort and unique abilities. Reassure them that they’re valued for more than just results.

2. Be a partner, not a policeman