Mumtaz Moosa Saley
10-11-2021

Over the last few weeks, every mother who has children in school will tell you that they have extra grey hairs and that the child who was the know-it-all will be the end of them. We all have that one child that will take us to breaking point to keep us young.

To top it all, we still have to be decent mothers and get the teachers gifts because the teachers are superhero’s for having to put up with our dinosaurs at school for five days a week; it’s the least we can do. If you see a fellow mother in the street, be kind; we are all just hoping to get through this month with our sanity and hair intact.

While experts give you advice on how to help your children during this time with the best advice, I have asked my fellow motherhood members to guide how they get through this time, emerging at the end of the tunnel without needing to be institutionalised!

So, the experts I have asked are ladies who have successfully lived to tell the tale of dealing with the exams dos and do not dare.

Firstly, your child was supposed to be studying months ago already, but if not, smile and print out the study guidelines. I am sure there is still hope. Kids these days even get told the page numbers to study. Back in my day, the teacher would say the whole textbook required to be reviewed.

Remind yourself that you love your child and with this, ask your child what help they require; if they say nothing, smile and take the time to think about your retirement and which child will be fit to look after you.

Exercise or invest in essential oils to keep your mood in check. Exercising releases happy endorphins, and that is what you need to not grey during this time.

As mothers, we fret, so cook up that storm; nutrients play a big part in exams, chat with your local dietitian and see it as a way to introduce healthy eating to everyone in the home.

And if you still feel that you need to kill the little bugger, “salaah it”. Prayer is better to control your frustration and anger.

Lastly, remember that your children have got this; a teacher told me to back off and see what happens this year. Some of our little critters do much better when they aren’t constantly stressed out.

Happy exam time!