Parenting Perspective 

Exam seasons can be high-stress periods for both children and their parents. The pressure to perform, combined with changes in routine and general fatigue, can easily escalate into tension at home. Parents often find themselves snapping over small issues, while children may feel misunderstood, anxious, or overwhelmed. The key is to create a clear and supportive structure that balances the academic demands with your child’s emotional well-being. 

Establish a Predictable Routine 

Consistency helps children to feel safe and can reduce the potential for conflict. You could consider: 

• Creating a visual timetable for study, breaks, meals, and sleep. 

• Including short, structured periods of downtime after study blocks for relaxation or light movement. 

• Maintaining regular mealtimes and encouraging hydration to support their focus and mood. 

A predictable routine helps to prevent friction around tasks like studying or waking up early, as everyone in the family knows what to expect. 

Plan the Study Schedule Collaboratively 

It is a good idea to involve your child in the planning of their study schedule. This encourages a sense of ownership over the process and can reduce their resistance. 

• Ask them which subjects they feel are most challenging and how they would like to prioritise them. 

• Agree together on realistic goals for each day, rather than imposing a strict and inflexible set of rules. 

• Include family agreements, such as designated quiet hours, without making it feel like a punishment. 

This collaborative approach helps to foster mutual respect, reduces power struggles, and models effective problem-solving skills. 

Make Time for Emotional Check-Ins 

Stress can spike silently, so making time for regular check-ins is essential. 

• Start each day with a brief, calm conversation about how they are feeling. 

• Encourage them to use tools like journalling or deep breathing to release any building tension. 

• Make sure to acknowledge their efforts, not just their outcomes, by saying, ‘I can see how hard you have worked today, and that is what is most important.’ 

By integrating routine, collaboration, and emotional awareness, exam periods can become times of focus and growth, rather than periods of constant family conflict. 

Spiritual Insight 

Exam seasons can be a practical reminder of the importance of balancing our sincere effort with a deep reliance on Allah Almighty. Islam teaches that while striving for success is important, it must be coupled with patience, calm, and an unwavering trust in the divine plan. 

Finding a Way Through Difficulty 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Talaaq (65), Verses 2: 

‘…And whoever seeks piety from Allah (Almighty), He shall designate for him (a peaceful) exit (from all his problems).’ 

This verse reminds us that when we combine our best efforts with a consciousness of God, He will always provide a way through our challenges. 

Valuing Every Good Deed 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 121, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.’ 

This hadith teaches us to value every small act of goodness. By fostering structured routines and gentle communication during exams, parents are creating an environment where their child can perform with confidence while maintaining their emotional balance. This approach nurtures both their academic growth and their spiritual resilience, reminding them that Allah Almighty values their effort, their calmness, and their sincerity in all endeavours.