How can I help my child achieve peak performance during the PSLE exams?

There are surprisingly simple ways parents can help their children perform at their best during those crucial PSLE days.

Start the routine a month ahead. Nail down everything — what time to wake up, what to eat for breakfast, how to get to school, what to bring for a mid-morning snack (to eat during the break between Paper 1 and Paper 2), and what time to go to bed each night. The goal is for your child's body and mind to have no surprises on exam day, so all their energy can go into the test itself.

Keep things familiar. Don't try new foods or new routes to school in the days leading up to the exam. Keep hydrated — students are allowed to drink water from their own water bottle inside the exam hall. Pack a mid-morning snack from home so they're not stuck queuing or making food decisions during the short break between papers (note: food can only be eaten outside the exam hall, not inside it). And remind them to use the toilet before Paper 2 begins.

Reset after each paper. Once a paper is over, train your child to shift gears immediately to the next one. Discourage comparing answers with classmates afterward. It never helps and can only disturb their peace of mind.

Protect the sleep the night before. The best preparation the night before a test is a good night's sleep. Resist the urge to squeeze in last-minute revision at that point. It's more likely to add stress than add marks.