Dear Parents,As we know, today is the 1st day of the PSLE. For those of us whose child is taking what is probably the biggest exam (so far) in their life, it is a day of trepidation and anticipation.I remember this day, some 20 years back , when at 5 am , I woke up and nervously went through my notes in my head, at the same time having no appetite for breakfast. Back then, I had no idea what my PSLE results were going to be, but I knew for sure that all the effort my forced studying (ahem - 'forced' by parents) would culminate in this big examination that would determine which Secondary school I could get into, and therefore my future.

Well, achieving a T-score of 262 and getting into CHIJ St Nicholas' Girls school was like a dream come true.

When I look back today, I have my parents to thank for disciplining me and ensuring that playful me had sufficient study time. (Thank You Daddy and Mummy, if you are reading this!)

To help us tide through these critical 5 days, here are some of my favourite tips to ease our kids minds (hopefully!) and to ensure that they remain in optimum health and mental state for their exams.

5 Tips for surviving the PSLE

(1) Sleep Well

Pack up the assessment books and send your child to bed. A good night's sleep is the most important in acing the exam. Revising the "life cycle of living things" for the 10th time is not going to make much of a difference; having sufficient sleep will.

(2) Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for the brains to function well. I know that we all worry about having to go to the washroom during those precious minutes of an exam. The trick is to get well hydrated the day before the exam. So, load up your child on water the day before the exam and immediately after a paper if there is a subsequent paper the following day.

(3) Eat Normally

Let your child eat the usual food he is used to. A sudden change in diet, even if it is for the better, may result in upset stomach and discomfort. If you want to start on a "better or more nourishing diet", do at least four weeks before the exam and not right before.

(4) Relax and Destress

Yes, PSLE is stressful for both parents and child. Help your child relax by staying with the usual routine as much as possible. Offer your listening ear to your child if he looks stressed and this is definitely not the time to chide him for not having studied harder in the past. Assure him that as long as he tries his best, the results do not matter and that you will love him just as much. :)

(5) Take a Brain Placebo

Acing an exam is highly psychological. Give your child a little edge by giving him some supplements or fruits (that he is already comfortable with) and tell him that it will help him relax and think better during the exam.

All the best for the examinations!

xoxo,

Coding Lab Team