From Surviving To Thriving - A 5-Step Guide To Preparing Your Child For The VCE

Preparing your child for the VCE can be a scary time. As proud as you are of them for sticking with their education, the final two years of schooling are the hardest. As parents, we want what's best for our children, so it can be tempting to go into full helicopter mode at this point. However, that probably won't get you the desired result. Instead, follow the tips below to ensure that your not-so-little one thrives over the next 48 months.

Get A Tutor

The best thing you can do to prepare your child for the next two years is to get them a tutor. Even the brightest students can benefit from some extra help during their final years of school, and their grades will reflect this. Google "VCE tutoring near me" and select the company you feel will be most beneficial for your child.

Upgrade Outdated Tech 

There’s never been a more crucial time to update any outdated technology in your home, so long as you can afford to do so. It will be far easier for your child to study if they are free from the frustration of lagging devices or slow internet connection. So if you have the funds, it is worth the investment.

Go Over Subject Selection Together

Many university degrees require good grades in specific subjects for students to gain entrance to their desired course. These requirements should always be checked and considered when your child is making their class choices. If there are any free slots left once your child has chosen all required classes, it's a good idea to go through their options together in order to help them best prepare for their future.

Set Goals And Reward Achievements 

Humans are hard-wired to respond positively to praise and rewards. Because of this, setting goals with your child, and ensuring they know how they will be rewarded upon achievement of said goals, is a great way to motivate them to do well.

Rewards don't have to be large – they simply need to be something of interest to your child that will drive their desire to do well. For example, when the author was younger, her parents would buy her a CD for every mark over 80% that she received. 

This type of arrangement clearly outlines what is expected in order to achieve the reward, provides an incentive to constantly strive for good marks, and helps the child feel like their effort is valued. This is also a great way to help prepare children for KPIs in the workforce.

Be Supportive 

Finally, and possibly most importantly, one of the best things you can do to help your child prepare for the VCE is to be supportive. The next couple of years are going to be tough and it's likely their first opportunity to really focus on their dreams. So young students need people in their corner now more than ever. Ask your child what they need to succeed and feel comfortable, and then provide what they are requesting – it'll make a world of difference.

Preparing your child for the VCE is scary. Your little one is all grown up and facing new challenges. The idea of what’s to come may be too much to even consider. What's important right now, however, is ensuring that they're able to successfully build their future. The tips in this article will help, but remember to listen to your child as well – it's their education after all, and they're almost an adult. Be a supportive passenger on this ride, and they'll appreciate it for the rest of their life.