The Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) is approximately one month away, and the pressure is mounting. Some of us are worried and pulling our hair out because “She’s making silly mistakes!” or “He’s still having problems with unequal sharing!” We understand the anxiety. However, it’s crucial to approach this critical period with a supportive mindset. Here are some dos and don’ts for parents and guardians of SEA students.

Do

• Create a balanced study plan.

Be sure that your child’s study schedule is realistic and balanced. Allow for breaks and leisure activities to prevent burnout.

• Utilise high-quality practice papers. 

Practice makes perfect. Use practice tests and past papers to become familiar with the exam format to enhance confidence and performance. Encourage your child to tackle these papers under exam conditions to simulate the test environment. However, be aware that different practice tests can yield different results. Opt for papers closest to the exam format, like our SEA Math and Language Arts and Writing tests. Remember, the most challenging practice tests are not always the most effective. These can demotivate and frustrate your child, especially so close to the exam. 

• Encourage healthy habits.

Promote adequate sleep, nutritious meals and regular physical activity to support your child’s overall well-being. Remember, our children are just that–children. They should not be put through all-nighters and rigorous hours of studying with little to no break time. A healthy lifestyle, which includes playtime, is essential in sustaining focus during study sessions.

• Provide emotional support.

Offer reassurance and encouragement to ease your child’s anxiety and stress about the exam. Remind them that this single test does not define their worth. Emphasise the importance of their best effort rather than achieving perfection.

• Stay positive and motivated.

Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude throughout the preparation process. Remind your child of their capabilities and the progress they’ve made so they can remain confident and motivated. 

Don’t

• Cram.

While it may be tempting to cram information in the final days leading up to the exam, this approach is often counterproductive and increases stress levels. Encourage consistent, spaced-out study sessions instead of last-minute panic.

• Overemphasise performance.

While it’s natural to want the best for your child, placing excessive pressure on them to excel in the SEA can lead to feelings of inadequacy and heightened anxiety and depression. Focus on effort and progress rather than solely on outcomes.

• Compare them with peers 

Comparing your child to others, even with the intention of fostering competitiveness, can be detrimental. Don’t compare your child’s progress or performance to that of their peers, as this can undermine their confidence and self-esteem and lead to resentment towards others. Remember, every child (and person) has their unique strengths and areas for improvement.

• Neglect their mental health.

Prioritise mental health and well-being alongside academic preparation. Be vigilant for signs of excessive stress or anxiety and encourage open dialogue about emotions and coping strategies. Signs of burnout include a decline in academic performance, irritability, exhaustion and having a negative or indifferent attitude.

• Show anxiety and disappointment.

Children often look to their parents for cues on how to react to stressful situations, and witnessing your anxiety or disappointment can amplify their own feelings of pressure and inadequacy.

A Reminder

As parents and guardians, it’s natural to feel anxious about the SEA exam, as we often perceive our children’s achievements and failures as reflections of our own parenting. However, we must remember that our children face their own pressures and challenges. Rather than solely focusing on outcomes, we must prioritise being supportive and understanding of their unique journeys. 

Our role extends beyond just pushing for success; it involves providing a nurturing environment where our children feel valued regardless of exam results.