Taking your child through the 'heart-wrenching' exam

The entrance exam to grade 10 of public schools causes students and parents to have a 'heart attack' due to the stress, so the companionship of teachers, parents and the community with the students is especially meaningful.

A sneeze, a sigh also makes mother worried

These days, on social networking groups and forums for parents in Hanoi , the hottest topic is still the upcoming 10th grade entrance exam. As the exam date approaches, there are no longer discussions about which school to choose to increase the chance of passing, parents are especially concerned about the psychology and health of their children when entering this exam.

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

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

NLA, a junior high school student in Thanh Xuan District, shared that her number one goal is to take the entrance exam to the English major at "Ams" school, which is one of the most competitive majors. Determined to do so, she had to study in the teacher's exam preparation class until the day of the exam, and then practice the 3 exam subjects at home until 1-2 am.

"My mother feels so sorry for me. Every day she comes to my room to urge me to go to bed. Even if I haven't slept yet, she stays awake with me. So many days I have to turn off the lights, pretend to go to bed at 10-11 pm, wait for my mother to fall asleep, then secretly get up to continue studying," LA said. She added that if she doesn't study like that, she feels uneasy even though no one puts pressure on her.

On the contrary, a 9th grade student at Cau Giay Secondary School confided that getting into a specialized school was more her parents’ wish than hers. Her mother always proved to her that if she wanted to be as good and successful as her, she had to study in a specialized school… like her mother in the past. Therefore, she felt very stressed, not daring to imagine how sad her mother would be if she failed the specialized school entrance exam, so she could only focus on studying and comfort herself that if she passed, she would sleep in and play…

However, it is not only students taking the entrance exam for specialized schools who are so stressed. The "ticket" to enter a narrow public high school also makes most parents and students worry to the point of "heart-stopping" before the exam. After many months of struggling with the role of XO (motorbike taxi) taking their children from one school to another exam preparation class, now is the time for parents to share with each other how to help their children have the best mentality and health when entering the exam soon.

Children need their parents' love when entering the "life and death" exam.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

"These days, when my children sneeze, sigh, and have no appetite, I'm worried. I constantly go online to find out what to feed and drink. At night, when I see my children wake up to go to the bathroom, I secretly wait at the door...", a parent whose child registered as the first choice at Viet Duc High School confided.

However, this parent said that no matter how worried he was, he did not dare to show it in front of his child. His parents always encouraged him to try his best, but if he did not pass the public school entrance exam according to his first choice, his parents had prepared enough money for his child to study for 3 years at a good quality private school.

Children need love instead of more pressure.

On a group accompanying students , a parent whose child had taken the 10th grade entrance exam shared her "bloody experience", emphasizing: "Children need love, not pressure". With this request, the "things to do" with their children after each exam session are encouraged by the parent to include hugs, handshakes, cool bottles of water, sweat towels; prepare delicious meals with healthy foods, a quiet place to rest, maintain a happy and calm attitude with "light as clouds" smiles...

Parents are also advised to pick up and drop off their children safely and on time. Be a solid support so that children feel secure that their parents are always there, "let parents take care of the world ". On some groups for parents on social networks, many comments are equally controversial on this topic.

Some opinions say that parents should not be too protective of their children, they should let their children actively find exam locations, exam rooms, and prepare materials to bring into the exam room instead of preparing everything for them.

However, most parents immediately objected, saying: "independence and self-control are for another time, not when deciding whether to pass or fail such an important exam"; or: "when the child is so stressed and nervous, how can he remember everything? A 15-year-old child still needs close attention from his parents, especially at these times"...

In the "bloody experience" mentioned above, there are many taboos to send to parents when their children finish the exam, such as: absolutely do not ask immediately "did you do it?" If your child wants to tell, he will tell it himself; absolutely do not look for, ask, or check the answers; do not blame if your child says he did not do well on the test...

In a letter to the students of class 2k10, Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Hong, Principal of Chuong Duong Secondary School (Hoan Kiem District) said: "I understand that at this time, in each of your hearts there are many emotions: nervous, worried, but also full of hope and determination... Entering the exam, remember that the journey you have been and are taking is not alone. Always by your side are the unconditional care, attention and love of your teachers and parents. Therefore, please stay calm, focus and show your best. Don't be pressured, don't worry because you have prepared very well for the exam. Believe that whatever the result, your best efforts are a great success."

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Duong, Principal of Thong Nhat Secondary School (Ba Dinh District), also shared that he understands when "students have moments of anxiety that make their hearts heavy, moments of suspense that make their hearts beat faster, but mixed in there is a burning flame of hope and a strong will that nothing can extinguish."

Telling students "not to let pressure weigh down on your shoulders", Mr. Duong encouraged students to consider the exam not only as a challenge, but also as an open door for them to mature and realize that they are stronger than they think.

"If there is ever a time when you feel insecure, remember that around you there is family, teachers, friends, all looking towards you with pride...", said Mr. Duong.

Regarding the exam supervision, Mr. Tran The Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, noted that the exam was already very stressful and pressured, so the Department of Education and Training required "serious supervision but not creating pressure".

Supervisors need to show seriousness in supervision but still maintain a gentle, friendly attitude, creating a stable mentality for candidates. Handling unusual situations must be based on regulations, instructions and ensure maximum benefits for candidates, not causing them unnecessary stress.

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

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

The rate of students entering public grade 10 in 2025 is expected to increase by about 3% compared to the previous year, reaching about 64% of junior high school graduates.

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