Accompanying your child through this 'heart-stopping' exam period.

The entrance exam for 10th grade in public schools is a nerve-wracking experience for students and parents, so the support of teachers, parents, and the community is especially important.

Even a sneeze or a sigh can make a mother worry.

These days, on social media groups and forums for parents in Hanoi , the hottest topic still revolves around the upcoming 10th grade entrance exam. As the exam date approaches, discussions are no longer about choosing which school to increase their chances of getting accepted; parents are particularly concerned about their children's mental state and health as they enter this exam period.

The entrance exam for 10th grade in public schools is considered the most stressful exam for both parents and students.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

NLA, a middle school student in Thanh Xuan District, shared that her number one goal is to get into the specialized English program at Ams High School, which is one of the most competitive specialized subjects. With that goal in mind, she attends her teacher's exam preparation class right up to the exam day, and then practices exam questions for all three subjects until 1 or 2 AM.

"My mother felt so sorry for me. Every day she would come to my room to urge me to go to sleep, and she would stay awake with me even if I wasn't asleep. So many nights I had to turn off the lights, pretend to go to sleep at 10 or 11 pm, wait for her to fall asleep, and then secretly get up to continue studying," LA recounted, adding that she wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't study like that, even though no one was pressuring her.

Conversely, a 9th-grade student from Cau Giay Secondary School confided that getting into a specialized high school was more her parents' wish than her own. Her mother always insisted that to be as successful and accomplished as she was, she had to study at a specialized school… just like she did in the past. Therefore, she felt very stressed, not daring to imagine how sad her mother would be if she failed to get into the specialized school. So she just buried herself in studying, comforting herself with the thought that if she passed, she could catch up on sleep and play…

However, it's not just students taking entrance exams for specialized schools who are stressed. The narrow path to admission to public high schools also causes anxiety for most parents and students, making their hearts race before the exam. After months of struggling as a "motorcycle taxi driver," taking their children from one school to another and from one tutoring center to another, parents are now sharing how to ensure their children have the best possible mental and physical state for the upcoming exam.

Children need their parents' love when they enter a "life-or-death" exam.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

"These days, when my child sneezes, sighs, or has a poor appetite, I worry and constantly search online for information on what to feed and give them. At night, when I see my child wake up to go to the bathroom, I secretly follow them and wait at the door...", a parent whose child registered Viet Duc High School as their first choice confided.

However, this parent said that no matter how worried they were, they didn't dare show it in front of their child. Parents always encourage their child to try their best, but if the child doesn't get into their first-choice public school, the parents have already prepared enough funds for the child to study for three years at a good quality private school.

Children need love and affection, not added pressure.

On a student support group, a parent whose child had previously taken the 10th grade entrance exam shared their "hard-earned experience," emphasizing: "Children need love, not pressure." With this requirement, the parent encouraged "things to do" for their child after each exam, such as hugs, handshakes, cool water bottles, towels to wipe away sweat; preparing delicious meals with healthy food, a quiet place to rest, and maintaining a cheerful, calm demeanor with smiles "as light as clouds"...

Parents are also advised to drop off and pick up their children safely and on time. Being a strong support system helps children feel secure knowing their parents are always there, letting them "take care of everything else ." On several online parent groups, many comments also feature equally heated debates on this topic.

Some argue that parents shouldn't overprotect their children, and that they should let their children take the initiative in finding exam locations, exam rooms, and preparing the necessary items to bring into the exam room, instead of preparing everything for them.

However, the majority of parents immediately objected, saying: "Independence and self-reliance can be discussed at another time, not at a crucial moment in an exam that determines whether a child passes or fails"; or: "When a child is stressed and nervous like that, how can they remember everything? A 15-year-old still needs close parental supervision, especially at times like these"...

In the aforementioned "hard-earned experience," there are many taboos for parents to follow after their children finish exams, such as: absolutely do not immediately ask "How did you do?" if the child wants to tell you, they will tell you themselves; absolutely do not search for, ask about, or scrutinize the answers; do not scold if the child says they didn't do well on the test….

In a heartfelt letter to her 2010 graduating class, Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Hong, Principal of Chuong Duong Secondary School (Hoan Kiem District), advised: "I understand that at this moment, each of you is experiencing a multitude of emotions: nervousness, anxiety, but also hope and determination… As you enter the exam, remember that the journey you have taken and are taking is not a solitary one. Always by your side is the unconditional love, care, and support of your teachers and parents. Therefore, stay calm, focus, and give your best. Don't feel pressured, don't worry, because you have prepared very well for the exam. Believe me, whatever the result, your utmost effort is already a great success."

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Duong, Principal of Thong Nhat Secondary School (Ba Dinh District), also shared that he deeply understands when "students have moments of anxiety that weigh heavily on their hearts, moments of nervousness that make their hearts beat faster, but mixed in with that is a burning flame of hope and an unwavering will that nothing can extinguish."

Advising his students "not to let pressure weigh heavily on their shoulders," Mr. Duong encouraged them to view the exam not only as a challenge, but also as a door opening for them to grow and realize they are stronger than they think.

"If you ever feel lost or uncertain, remember that you have your family, teachers, and friends around you, all of whom are rooting for you with pride…," Mr. Duong said.

Regarding exam supervision, Mr. Tran The Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, noted that the exam is already very stressful and demanding, therefore, the Department of Education and Training requires "serious invigilation but without creating unnecessary pressure".

Supervisors need to demonstrate seriousness in their supervision while maintaining a gentle and friendly attitude, creating a stable atmosphere for the candidates. Handling unusual situations must be based on regulations and guidelines, ensuring maximum protection of the candidates' rights and avoiding unnecessary stress.

The entrance exam for 10th grade in Hanoi for the 2025-2026 school year will be held on June 7th and 8th; the specialized school exam will be on June 9th.

Hanoi has the largest number of candidates taking the 10th grade entrance exam nationwide. The entire city has 115,951 registered candidates (including 102,860 candidates for non-specialized public schools and 13,091 candidates for specialized schools).

The target for the percentage of students entering public high schools in 2025 is to increase by approximately 3% compared to the previous year, reaching over 64% of students graduating from junior high school.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cung-con-buoc-vao-ky-thi-dau-tim-185250605173328817.htm