Don’t say ‘just do your best’: What your child actually needs to hear before the PSLE

• Parents should use calm, grounding words and acknowledge their child's feelings to ease PSLE panic, rather than offering empty reassurances like "just do your best".
• For children unprepared for the PSLE, parents should focus on achievable tasks and maintain simple study routines.
• Parents must avoid comparisons and conditional praise, emphasising unconditional love and support.

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Explore the PSLE Companion microsite for more insights and tips.

SINGAPORE – It is just days before the PSLE, and you want nothing more than to be your child’s biggest cheerleader. You offer what feels like the ultimate comforting phrase: “Just do your best.”

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