Our actions & stress can rub off our kids

As PSLE is approaching, I noticed that many students are starting to stress up.
However, it is not because they are really stressed but it's the stress that their parents are giving them - directly or indirectly.

Stress has its pros and cons.
A small amount of stress can enable a person to be more focused and finish any tasks at hand.
However, too much stress can cause panic attacks or mental blocks.

How much stress is too much?
Everyone has different stress-appetites and parents should be able to tell how much stress their children can take.
However, we often fail to realise that our actions and behaviour also affects our children.

Recently, I've been getting many requests for extra lessons due to the upcoming PSLE.
For most of them, they do not need that extra lessons as they've already acquired what they need to know and now should be a time for them to rest and mentally prepare themselves for the battle ahead, not stressing out their bodies physically and mentally with tuition after tuition.

One of my students cried during my class. She told me that she had 5 different tuitions that day and by the 3rd lesson (my lesson), she was already struggling to pay attention and her mind was already 'zoned out'.
Another student complained that his hand was very painful after doing 5 questions of S&T during my lesson. Upon further questioning, I found out that his mother had forced him to finish alot of work just before the lesson and he was heading home after my lesson for another tutor's lesson that his place!

Parents must understand:
零时抱佛脚 (hugging Budhha's leg at the last minute) does not help at all.
Consistent learning with adequate rest and play is more important for the mental and physical health of children. Also, time management is important.

Instead of cramping more tuition lessons at the last minute, parents should consider some leisure activities like a simple board game to relax or simply bringing your children out for a nice dinner without any talk about schoolwork or exams.

A refreshed mind can do better than a worn out mind.

I encourage all students to rest the day before their papers. If they had a paper earlier that day, take a hearty lunch to replenish energy, a nice shower to relax and forget the worries about the previous paper and TAKE A GOOD NAP!
If one really wants to revise, it should be reading up on past mistakes or reading up on notes that teacher has provided. Not madly trying to complete all the practice papers or assessment books.

Parents, remember to give your kids a break.
We want the best for them but we will still love them no matter what results they get, right?
Assure your kids that you'll still love them and be proud of them because they've put in the effort.
Being confident and assured is half the battle won.

Kids in P4 & 5 this year, you better start your engines running so that it'll be smooth by P6.

BEST WISHES TO ALL STUDENTS TAKING PSLE THIS YEAR!