Accepting ‘narky’ behaviour, offering emotional support and filling the fridge with food are the best ways to support your children during the Leaving Cert. 

That’s according to former Guidance Counselor Institute President Betty McLoughlin, who gave parents advice ahead of the Leaving Cert exams beginning tomorrow, June 7th.  

She told Newstalk Breakfast the most important thing to do is accept your children’s stress.  

“Be prepared to be patient - They’re going to be a bit edgy, stressed, a bit narky,” she said. “Just let them know you’re there for them.” 

"Perspective"

Ms McLoughlin said parents should make sure them and their children have enough “perspective” on the importance of the Leaving Cert.  

“It's only a moment in time and there’s never been more opportunity there other than the CAO – for post-Leaving Cert courses, new apprenticeships launched, even for nurses,” she said.  

“You have so many opportunities there – so give it your best but know it’s not the be-all and end-all.” 

Of course, this doesn’t mean teenagers won’t be stressed during exams, and parents should create an ideal home environment for them.  

"Comfort food"

Newstalk Breakfast host Ciara Kelly said she often “indulged” her children during exam season with “special things to eat”.  

“Some of them were pure junk – Coke, jellies – and I’d say ‘grand, go them’,” she said. “Facilitate them with comfort things.” 

Ms McLoughlin agreed food choice is essential, but recommended healthier options take precedence.  

“It's more important to eat well because if they take too much Coke or sugar, they may not be able to concentrate and engage when they get in there,” she said.  

“Fill the fridge with great food.” 

Students at Belvedere College in Dublin, sit the first day of the Leaving Cert, 03-06-2009. Image: Mark Stedman/RollingNews

Ms McLoughlin also recommended putting a copy of your child’s timetable in a visible place.  

“No two days might be the same for a student,” she said. “So be familiar with where you need to be and when you need to be there.” 

Parents should also make sure kids have all the necessary equipment for their exams and understand the structure of each paper.  

“Familiarise yourself with the exam paper,” she said. “How many questions I have to answer, how much time I can allocate in each answer.”