The Do’s and Don’ts of Final Exam Season

When finals roll around, you might be as nervous as your student. Here are some time-tested ways to best support your student during this stressful time.

Do ...
Stay positive. When your student knows their family believes in them and is rooting for their success, it can increase their confidence. A simple encouraging call or text can do wonders.

Ask how you can help. Maybe they’ll suggest a care package, noise-canceling headphones or money for a massage. Or they may appreciate your assistance in quizzing them for an exam or listening to a speech.

Help them keep perspective. If your student begins worrying and catastrophizing about the future, remind them to focus on what is happening now. Guided meditations can be helpful; they’re available on YouTube, iTunes and more.

Cut them some slack. Finals are stressful, and your student’s temper may be short. Try not to take offense if they become angry or are curt with you.

Encourage laughter. Sometimes a funny joke or memory is all it takes to lighten their mood.

Don’t …
Communicate too much. Touching base with your student once or twice during finals week is often much more appreciated and helpful than bombarding them with an endless stream of calls, texts and emails. So try a quick call at the beginning of the week to offer encouraging words, followed by a call at the end of the week asking how things went.

Stress grades. Students are aware of the importance of final exams and grades. When loved ones point this out, too, it can add extra pressure. Encouragement is more beneficial.

Give too much advice. Over-advising your student — whether regarding study habits, healthy eating or hours of sleep — can also add stress. Remember that studying techniques, sleeping habits, etc., are unique to each individual. You might have study strategies, for example, that worked wonders for you, but those may not be what will work for your student. It’s fine to give your student advice once, but then let it go.

Last updated Nov. 2, 2023.