Year 12 is often one of the most challenging times in a student’s life, and as a parent, it can be tough to watch your child go through it. The pressure of exams, the looming ATAR, and the weight of expectations can easily lead to stress and anxiety. But you don’t have to be a bystander—you can actively help your child manage their stress and navigate this challenging period with a sense of balance.
Here are some strategies to support your child during their Year 12 exams:
The way your child talks to themselves can have a huge impact on their mindset. If you hear them being overly critical or catastrophizing ("I’m going to fail," "This is the end of the world"), it’s important to step in. Encourage them to reframe these thoughts and challenge the negativity. Help them replace destructive self-talk with more positive and realistic affirmations like, "I’m doing my best," or "This is just one part of my journey."
Exams are important, but they are not the end-all-be-all of life. Remind your child that while it’s great to strive for success, exams don’t define their worth or future potential. Gaining perspective can relieve some of the pressure they’re feeling, helping them see that their wellbeing and growth are more valuable than any grade.
When your child is feeling overwhelmed, help them reframe their thoughts. Instead of thinking, "I’ll never get through all this," encourage them to focus on one step at a time: "I’ll start with what I know and go from there." Helping them break tasks down into manageable steps can make the workload feel less daunting.
Stress during exams is completely normal, and it’s important that your child understands that feeling anxious doesn’t mean they’re failing. Share your own experiences of stress—self-disclosure is a powerful way to show them they’re not alone. Let them know that stress is just a signal that they care about what they’re doing and that everyone feels it in high-pressure situations.
Encouraging your child to have a Plan B can be incredibly comforting. Knowing that they have other options, even if things don’t go exactly as planned, can help alleviate some of the pressure. Whether it’s a different university pathway, a gap year, or exploring new interests, having a backup plan can reduce the fear of failure.
Managing stress during Year 12 is tough, but with your support, your child can navigate this period with resilience. By keeping an eye on their self-talk, offering perspective, normalising stress, and encouraging flexibility, you’ll help them feel more in control—and more confident as they head into their exams. It’s all about guiding them to develop a healthy mindset, so they can approach this important time clearly and calmly.
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