Further Parenting Advice HSC Parents (you are a bigger influence than you think..)

The HSC is an incredibly stressful time both for the students but also for the parents, who bear the weight of responsibility of their child’s performance and mental health.

Parents play a huge role in their child’s schooling life and development, the HSC is no different. It is natural for parents to worry and engage in the pressure their HSC child may be experiencing.  The key to remember is that your behaviour will impact your child.

I have seen it time and time again… children underperforming due to decisions made by the parents so I have compiled a list of the most Commonly Asked Questions parents have asked me over my 10+ years helping students, athletes and parents navigate the HSC:

Commonly asked questions from parents

What can I do to help?

Be the best parent you can be!  Set yourself up to be the best version of yourself.  Don’t overcommit, stay organised – stop rushing for deadlines or avoid becoming triggered or flustered.  Be available for your child with time to talk or go for an outing.  Providing them with healthy snacks, remind them to take regular breaks.  Generally, just be there to offer support.

How can I motivate my child to study?

Students need a reason, a why, a purpose for their effort.  What is their HSC goal. Have visual boards to remind them of their goal, their purpose, Be a role-model positive and motivating behaviour.  Set yourself a goal and demonstrate how to break down the tasks and work towards what is important to you.

How can I help them not be so stressed?

Outside other mental health concerns, HSC stress is generally because students are not organised are not prepared (enough study) and or are not good under pressure.  The pressure can be overwhelming being unorganised and not prepared will leave the student entering exams feeling unconfident and defeated before their pen hits the paper!  Students need to learn tools and get support to reframe their relationship with pressure.  They may need help to break down their study into small tasks and focus on one day at a time. If they do not understand a topic, they should ask their teacher.

I have recently offered my time for sessions with HSC (or soon to be) parents to help share my knowledge, allowing them to best be there for their child during this time.

If you’d like to talk or if you have any questions about what this upcoming period will look like please contact me on 0410 423 044 or fill out the Contact Form below: