Tips for families to survive the stressful time of VCE exams

VCE Parents

Kathy Spiridis with son Peter, a student at Ivanhoe Grammar School, who is just about to start his VCE exams. Picture: Hamish Blair
Source: Herald Sun




THE official figures state that 82,465 people are tackling VCE exams this month, but thousands more are part of the ride.


Education experts and psychologists say parents and siblings can also feel the stress of the exams. But with almost three weeks to go, there is plenty of time to bring calm to households.

Dr Barbara Jones, director of the Australian Catholic University's Melbourne Psychology and Counselling Clinic, said it was not unusual for parents to take on the stress of their children.

However she said that taking a life-as-normal approach, as well as addressing emotions, was key.

It is a nerve-racking time, because I think there is a lot of pressure on kids to do well

"It's a significant time in a young person's life, so it's helpful to acknowledge or validate their feelings (and say) 'It's OK to feel this way, it's a stressful time'," Dr Jones said.

"And if parents continue with their normal daily activities, even though the stress levels in the family may be heightened, that's setting a good example to their children."

The Spiridis family is among those to have struck the right balance.

Mum Kathy said her son Peter, a year 12 student from Ivanhoe Grammar School, had always been a highly motivated student.

"It is a nerve-racking time, because I think there is a lot of pressure on kids to do well," Mrs Spiridis said.

"But Peter just says to me 'Don't worry Mum, I've got it under control'. He's got his time-management skills down to a fine art."

Mrs Spiridis says she and her husband, Perry, and daughter, Helena, 11, were still doing what they could to support Peter.

"I'm making sure he is getting good nutritious meals, and we try to limit noise when he's studying."

Peter, who hopes to study commerce/law next year, believes balance is the key to working effectively during exams.

He trains in and teaches taekwondo three times a week.

"It's my hobby and my passion, and it's awesome for stress relief," Peter, 18, said.

 

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