We all know students often do it hard during the lead up to the HSC. But while we rightly focus on them, it’s easy to overlook how tough year-12 can be on parents. Seeing the person you’ve raised with such love and care being put through the wringer is not easy. That’s why we recently sat down with some parents whose children are now thriving after their experiences of exam jitters, late nights, and uncertainty. They shared some of their tips to help keep things calm for them and for you.
- Show them you’re in their corner.
Anna, whose daughter is now studying Communications at UTS, says, “You have to support them. Get out of the house and talk. We’d go out for coffees, lots of coffees. It’s important to relax and let your child breathe.”
- Keep things in perspective.
Stella, whose daughter is now in second year of Biomedical Science at UTS advises not to let things get out of proportion. She says, “The HSC isn’t the be-all and end-all.
- Pile some love on their plates.
All our Mums looked for practical ways to support their teenagers, like making sure they got enough sleep and helping them to eat right when the going was tough. What you eat has a big effect on the way your brain functions. Stressed students need a healthy, balanced diet that’s high in fibre and rich in fruits and vegetables. While you can’t sit the exam for them, a bit of love goes a long way.
- Keep things calm at home.
It’s easy for the worrying to get out of control when so much seems to be at stake. Maria, whose daughter is now studying Forensic Science at UTS, says, “I think the most important thing is to be there for them whatever way it goes. And remember if they don't make it, there's always a way to get there."
- Remind them there are always options.
One of the most important things you can do for your child is help them understand that the HSC is not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning, and there are many pathways to the career or degree they want. Stella says,It’s easy for the worrying to get out of control when so much seems to be at stake. “There’s always a solution to get what you want. It doesn’t always have to be the short road."
Making your backup plan for UTS.
Anna, Stella, and Maria have something else in common. They’re all mothers of successful UTS College graduates. UTS College is the trusted pathway to UTS, and the perfect backup plan to have in place to help enter the HSC with confidence. As Stella says, “I wish I had known about UTS College before the HSC. It would've made it a lot easier to reassure my daughter there was another way.”
Why not lock in that plan right now by applying early? You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your child is on the way to their dream degree.