PARENTS should take note of how their children handle stress ahead of the matric results being released.
The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) releases its results on December 30 with the Department of Basic Education releasing results on January 5.
The Independent Institute of Education’s Nola Payne said children getting their results sometimes struggled to deal with failure, and parents should be supportive.
“Parents need to find out if their children are comfortable to see their results before they do, or whether they are happy to share their experience with them. They need to remind their children that whatever results they might receive, they do not define who they are - and parents need to share their good times with them, because love is unconditional, and they need that reassurance.
“It is best for parents to start discussing their opinions with their children about what to do to further their studies or life after school,” said Payne
She said pupils should not compare themselves to their peers, friends and siblings.
“They need to be reminded that they have worked so hard and what parents can expect from them is their effort and dedication. They need to be reminded that there are so many options for the following year, and parents need to promise to be on their children’s side, no matter what challenges they are going through.”
To make getting matric results easier, Independent Media has launched a special portal via IOL, its online news site. Results and related stories can be found at www.iol.co.za/news/matric-results
Department spokesman Elijah Mhlanga said they would send pupils results by SMS to ensure confidentiality.