17/10/2026
Supporting Your Child Through Matric: A Guide for Fathers
Matric exam season is here.
Matric exams are stressful for the whole family. If you are a father who does not live with your child, you may feel that there is little you can do to help. In reality, you can make a significant difference to your child's experience and to the pressure carried by the parent who is with them every day.
🧰A father's matric action checklist🧰
This week:
☐ Find out your child's exam timetable.
☐ Know which subjects they are most concerned about.
☐ Contact your child and ask how they are coping, without immediately asking about marks.
☐ Ask the mother what practical support would genuinely reduce her workload.
☐ Offer to take responsibility for at least one practical task.
☐ Check whether your child needs data, transport, stationery, printing, food or another basic resource.
☐ If money is limited, offer time, transport, research help or access to a quiet place to study.
☐ Make sure your child knows how to contact you when they need you.
Before each exam:
☐ Send a short, encouraging message.
☐ Avoid last-minute lectures about studying.
☐ Make sure any transport or other practical arrangements are sorted.
☐ Remind them to take what they need for the exam.
☐ Tell them you believe they can handle the day.
After each exam:
☐ Ask, "How did it go?"
☐ Listen before giving your opinion.
☐ Do not interrogate them about every question they answered.
☐ Avoid immediately discussing marks or whether they "passed".
☐ Encourage them to focus on the next paper.
Throughout the exam period:
☐ Be consistent. Don't disappear for weeks and then suddenly demand updates.
☐ Keep adult disagreements away from your child.
☐ Check in regularly without becoming another source of pressure.
☐ Notice effort, not just results.
☐ Give the mother practical support rather than expecting her to coordinate everything.
☐ Make time for your child, even if you cannot be physically present.
Your child needs a father who is interested, dependable and available. Someone who can say "I know this is difficult. Do your best. Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together." Being that person may be one of the most valuable contributions you can make during matric.
🎓 Online educational resources: https://www.nicro.org.za/index.php/en/community-development-resources -preparation-and-support
