With ATAR results released last Thursday 14th December at 9am, your child may be dealing with post-HSC results anxiety.
A range of feelings may accompany students over the holiday period and as they spend the next few months considering post-high school options. Feeling such as disappointment, depression, anxiety and helplessness may be among the many feelings that they experience. If your child in unhappy with the ATAR results, they have received and are feeling confused about their future, it is important to know how to respond to their feelings in a way that acknowledges their emotions while simultaneously guiding the to reframe and process any negative feelings.
If your child withdraws, appears pessimistic either through their words, behaviours or a combination of both or turns to substances and/or alcohol, it is important to know how to approach difficult discussions. ReachOut Australia states that it is best to talk to your child using a three-pronged approach, beginning by acknowledging their feelings, followed by letting them know that you are there for them if they need to talk and when they’re ready, having a discussion that helps your child put their ATAR results in perspective.
A wonderful way to put ATAR results and post-high school choices into perspective is celebrating non-ATAR related successes that they may have achieved during their senior year in high school and offering them your support and guidance in the event that they choose to explore tertiary educational pathways and/or employment opportunities. It is key that parents and carers remind their child that an ATAR result, and linear paths following tertiary education are not the only pathways to success, employment and skill development.
Peer support forums where students can discuss their results and their hopes and anxieties for the future are also available:
Post Exams: Thoughts and Advices (ReachOut Australia)
Beyond Blue Forums (there are a range of forums available, focusing on mental health, youth and more)
We wish the best of luck to all students as they make decisions regarding their future!
#ATAR#Highschool#University#TAFE#Anxiety#Depression#Education#HSC#Students#Parentandcarer
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