Providing emotional support for your child during every exam.

BAC NINH - These days, graduating students throughout Bac Ninh province are preparing for the important transition exams from grade 9 to grade 10 and the high school graduation exam, marking a major turning point in each student's life.

Exam pressure is unavoidable, so besides the students' knowledge and effort, the support of parents is a crucial source of emotional strength.

Pressure during the "final sprint" phase

According to data from the Bac Ninh Department of Education , in the 2025-2026 school year, the province will have 53,900 ninth-grade students, while the enrollment quota for tenth-grade public schools in the 2026-2027 school year is 31,900, accounting for approximately 60%.

Therefore, to continue their high school education, the remaining 40% of students will have to attend vocational schools, private schools, or continuing education centers. Perhaps the immense pressure of the exam stems not only from its high level of competition but also from family expectations and the stress experienced by students during this crucial final stage.

Parents are a great source of emotional support and become companions for their children before each exam.

Nguyen Quoc Dat, a top student at Le Van Thinh Junior High School (Gia Binh commune), shared: “Although my parents didn't put pressure on me, I still felt anxious when registering for the specialized school entrance exam. I put aside trips and long holidays to dedicate as much time as possible to studying because the competition for admission to the specialized school and subject I registered for is not low at all.”

According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training , the 2026 high school graduation exam will maintain the same structure as in 2025, but with some adjustments to regulations and the application of information technology in exam organization, registration, and graduation recognition.

Candidates will take four subjects: two compulsory subjects, Mathematics and Literature, and two elective subjects from the curriculum. The multiple-choice exams will include more questions assessing ability and critical thinking rather than just testing rote memorization. The exam takes place over two days, June 11th and 12th (about two weeks earlier than in previous years), making the preparation time for 12th-grade students much more rushed.

“Right now, my biggest pressure doesn't just come from the amount of knowledge I have to learn, but also from my grades, my chances of getting into university, and the worry of not meeting my parents' expectations… which sometimes makes me stressed and lose focus,” confided Nghiem Phuong Nhi, a student in class 12A8 at Han Thuyen High School (Vo Cuong ward).

In many families with children preparing for entrance exams and high school graduation exams, most students spend almost all of their day studying, attending extra classes at school and at tutoring centers to consolidate knowledge, practice exam questions, and improve their test-taking skills. At an age where their psychological and physiological development is still developing, and facing a pivotal exam, these children are very susceptible to stress, anxiety, and even mental breakdown if they do not receive proper support and understanding.

Helping your child overcome exam pressure.

Not only are students under pressure, but parents are also stressed, with many having to balance work and finances while closely monitoring their children's studies. Many parents admit they are "taking the test alongside their children" as they constantly track schedules, grades, and even adjust family routines to support their children during this crucial period.

It's not just students who are under pressure; parents are stressed too. Many parents admit they are "competing with their children" as they constantly monitor schedules, grades, and even adjust family routines to support their children during this crucial period.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, a parent in Bac Giang ward whose child is about to take the 10th grade entrance exam, shared: "With the high competition rate, right from the time of choosing preferences, my family considered how to match the child's abilities, while respecting their decision and not putting pressure on them."

Besides arranging time to pick up and drop off my child and reminding them to study, I also proactively search for exam questions and materials for them to practice, considering it a practical way to support them during the final stages of preparation. At the same time, I encourage them to maintain their spirits and ensure their health for the upcoming exam.”

Focusing on the graduation exam, choosing majors, and selecting universities is a major concern for many students and parents at this time. The process of guiding children towards a particular school and field of study should not be imposed but rather requires open discussion between parents and children.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong (from Tien Du commune) shared: “I always try to understand my child's desires first, then we discuss suitable career paths together. The family only plays a guiding role, not making decisions for them. The most important thing is that the child must have passion to study well and stay committed in the long term.”

In addition, many schools in the province have proactively implemented activities to support the psychology, knowledge, and skills of graduating students, such as: organizing thematic talks on "Supporting the Exam Season: Strong Mindset - Easily Overcoming Difficulties"; coordinating with universities, businesses, and speakers to provide career counseling, guidance, and admissions advice at high schools…

With insights shared by experts from various fields, the students gained a deeper understanding of the value of learning and the journey of self-improvement; this further motivated them, strengthened their mindset, boosted their confidence, and taught them how to overcome exam pressure.

Many psychologists believe that students' greatest pressure sometimes doesn't come from the exam itself, but from the fear of disappointing their parents. Therefore, instead of focusing too much on academic achievement, parents should help their children understand that exam results are not the only measure of their self-worth.

Parental support should begin with caring about their children's emotions. Because, after all, what many parents long for most is not just an acceptance letter, but seeing their children have the strength and confidence to move forward on their own path.

Text and photos: Nguyen Hoa

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/diem-tua-tinh-than-cho-con-trong-moi-ky-thi-postid446083.bbg