As prelims begin and the countdown to finals intensifies, South Africa’s Matric learners are facing one of the most stressful periods of their lives. Alongside endless revision and late-night study sessions, many are also carrying the pressure of not wanting to disappoint their families while worrying about what comes after school.
Parental support during this time can be the difference between burnout and balance. Refilwe Maakamedi, Assistant Principal: Social Services and Counsellor at SPARK Schools, offers practical guidance for parents to help their children succeed academically and emotionally.
1. Accept Your Child’s Strengths
One of the biggest pressures learners face is the fear of letting their parents down. Maakamedi advises parents to focus on their child’s unique abilities and passions instead of pushing them toward parental ambitions.
Tools like aptitude tests and career mapping can reveal natural strengths and align study paths with career goals. Misalignment risks burnout, resentment, or even dropping out later in life. The stakes are high: according to the World Health Organization, teen suicide rates in South Africa are among the world’s highest, with 9% of teens aged 15–19 affected.
2. Be an Accountability Partner, Not a Policeman
Support works best as a partnership. Parents should help learners stick to their study commitments without becoming “law enforcement.” The key is reassurance — letting children know their parents are on their side.
Accountability is also about example. Learners mirror what they see, so parents should demonstrate organisation and consistency long before Matric year.
3. Create a Supportive Home Environment
Household stress can magnify exam anxiety. Ongoing disputes, divorce conflicts, or even small arguments can derail a learner’s focus. Maakamedi recommends putting major arguments or decisions on hold until exams pass.
Lightening household responsibilities can also help. “Rebalancing responsibilities shows your child their time and effort are valued,” she explains.
4. Recognise Different Study Styles
Not all learners study the same way. Some thrive in silence; others prefer music, diagrams, or colourful notes. What may look like distraction is sometimes a learning method. Parents should support whatever genuinely helps their child absorb information.
5. Manage Your Own Stress
Parents’ emotional state impacts their children directly. “Check in, ask if they’re on track, and then step back,” says Maakamedi. Emotional regulation during this short period is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.
6. Keep Perspective on Results
Anxiety doesn’t end after the last exam – it lingers until results are released. If outcomes fall short, parents should model resilience. “Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes a detour is simply a redirection toward a better path,” Maakamedi notes.
7. Play the Long Game
Matric isn’t just about the final push — it’s built on years of preparation, healthy routines, and communication. Parents who consistently support their children create foundations that last well beyond exam season.
Key Takeaway
Parents should aim to be guides, not enforcers; partners, not pressure points. By walking alongside their children with empathy, patience, and perspective, they can help learners approach Matric with confidence — and resilience for life beyond the classroom.
