You can do it!

If your tween seems less than enthusiastic about preparing for her exam, it’s time to motivate her with these tips

Exam-time looms once again and you can see your primary schooler’s enthusiasm and confidence begin to sag.
Full of self-doubt, lack of enthusiasm, and a range of diversionary tactics, she needs your support to keep her spirits up. Here are 10 things you can say to boost her motivation:

“You have done this before.” Reminding your child that she has prepared for exams (or class tests, if this is her first exam), helps her realise that she has tackled the preparation and exam process already.
She recalls that she got through that period of her life the last time, so she’ll get through it this time as well.

“I know it’s hard.” Even the most enthusiastic pupil struggles at times to find the motivation needed for further study. There are so many distractions. Your recognition that studying is hard work makes her feel better about herself. She’s pleased that you understand the challenges.

“Stick to your revision plan.” Agree on a revision timetable with her, and display it beside her study space.
The plan should specify how much time she needs to spend on revision each day. This provides a clear structure for her to follow. Remind her each day to stick to it.

“Don’t forget to take breaks.” Your young one needs to regular breaks when revising for exams, for example, a five-minute break every 30 minutes, and a day off on weekends. Too much revision without rest will simply sap her motivation.
Breaks refresh her enthusiasm.

“Tick off the days till the exam.” From your tween’s perspective, revision might seem never-ending. Suggest that she ticks off each passing day on her chart. This provides a good visual reminder that it will soon be over.

“I’m proud of your approach.” Positive feedback is a powerful motivator.
Telling your kid that you are proud of the way she is tackling exam revision lifts her self-esteem and strengthens her positive attitude.
You’d be surprised at how effective those types of comments are on a child struggling to maintain interest in revision.

“Tell me what you find difficult.” She should know that you want to help her with some of the difficult topics to she has to tackle. If she asks you for help with something you don’t know about, for example, word problems in maths, tell her you’ll read about it and then give her the help she needs.

“Effort matters.” The result of the exam matters, obviously, but only one child will be top of the class, only one will be second, only one will be third and all the others are placed after that.
Your child may not have the ability to be placed in the top ranks, but she should know that you want her to try her best. Value her efforts, as well as her attainments.

“Keep things in perspective.” This is only one exam. There will be others after this. So, if her exam revision doesn’t go according to plan, and if she doesn’t get the grade she wanted, she will have other opportunities in the future.
Knowing that this isn’t her only chance may ease her fear of failure and lift her spirits.

“Remember your postexam treat.” At the start of the revision period, promise your tween a special treat once she has sat her exam.
It doesn’t need to be lavish or expensive, perhaps having her favourite fast-food meal together or going to see the latest kids’ movie.
When her motivation flags, she should think about the treat waiting for her.