Parents can manage unrealistic expectations by talking with their child about their dreams, favourite subjects and strengths, and treating expectations as flexible guidelines that evolve as the child grows. Motivate rather than criticise after poor results, explain mistakes calmly instead of reacting in anger, avoid comparisons with siblings and offer support in difficult subjects.
Children learn in different ways, and the four basic learning styles are visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinaesthetic. Parents can identify their child’s learning style by observing how the child reads, expresses themselves and solves problems, then adapt study methods to suit, such as diagrams for visual learners or hands-on activities with breaks for kinaesthetic learners.
Parents can help with schoolwork at home by setting a non-negotiable routine for lunch, relaxation and homework, providing a quiet study space and guiding with instructions rather than giving answers. Ask your child to explain what they learnt, limit screen time to one or two hours a day, ensure 8 to 10 hours of sleep and praise small achievements.
In a video interview, WorksheetCloud parent Shaz Pillay describes how she discovered her daughter had been misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD. She shares the warning signs parents should look out for and how parents can support their child emotionally while working through a possible misdiagnosis and the assessment process.
To study for exams using WorksheetCloud, start with the Study Notes, which break topics into bite-size slides with key definitions and textbook references. Next, work through the Practice Questions, using hints when stuck and checking the memo afterwards. Only then attempt the Practice Exams, which have 20 to 40 questions and mirror real exam conditions.
To prepare for Term 2 June exams, parents can check that school notes are complete, create a study plan that tackles difficult work first and review the timetable as a family. A quiet study space, study methods that suit the child’s learning style, a balanced diet, 20 to 30 minute study sessions, enough sleep and practice exams also help.
