This is what you should NOT say to your child during exam period

Oooh, I really feel sorry for all the students starting their final exams today. Two years ago it was my turn and I barely managed to scrape through with my HAVO diploma. The stress I experienced I still remember as if it were yesterday. But the ones who really added to it were my parents. Their well-meaning comments raised my stress level day by day, and I wonder if it really helped me. So here are a few remarks that you, as a father or mother, might better keep to yourself during your child's exam period. This way, you can still keep them somewhat on your side.

1. ‘Nice to see you started on time.’.
As if they don't already know, you rub it in just a little harder.

2. ‘Take a page from your brother/sister's book.’
If there's one thing you shouldn't do as a parent, it's comparing your child to another. Just a tip.

3. ‘Otherwise, no exam trip for you.’
Threatening. Please don't do this. Instead, say: ‘Just a little longer and you can enjoy your exam trip.’ You mean the same thing, but you put it in a somewhat more reassuring way.

4. ‘If I were you, I would start.’
Yes, and if I were you, I would just keep my mouth shut. Deal?

5. ‘Clean up that room, you can't study like this!’
Just when you tell your child they need to do something, it usually backfires nine out of ten times.

6. ‘You'll see: everyone around you passes and you fail.’
If you don't believe in your child, how can he or she believe in themselves?

7. ‘Oh come on, everyone passes.’
And then you'll see that your child doesn't pass. Good luck reassuring them then.

8. ‘Put that phone away.’
No matter how often you say it, you won't get rid of this habit anymore.

9. ‘This weekend, you're staying home to study.’
Do you really think your child is going to study on a Saturday night? No, I don't think so. And that one evening won't make a difference.

10. ‘Aren't you supposed to be studying?’
Yes, they actually should, but a little distraction is also necessary.

11. ‘You should go to bed on time.’
It's hard to expect your child to go to bed early when they're tense and stressed.

12. ‘Do you think you know the material well enough?’
Believe me: they don't know that either.

13. ‘Have you done everything you can?’
The answer will always be ‘yes’ to avoid a possible lecture.

14. ‘Are you ready?’
No, of course not.