Enem: tips on how parents can help alleviate anxiety and pressure waiting for the exam

By Marcela Guimarães / 22/10/2022 / 3 minutes reading

There are only three weeks left until the Enem (National High School Exam), when millions of Brazilian students take the tests that help with their scores to enter various universities. Therefore, this is one of the most stressful times for young people. Dealing with pressure and anxiety before the test is one of the challenges and parents can play an important role at this time. We have put together some tips for families to support their children in this countdown to Enem.

It is forbidden to say how many days are left before the exam near the children who are in the university entrance exam, subject to beatings
— cami 🐓 (@camivest) October 13, 2022

For public school students:

If you are good students and get excellent grades at school, don't be fooled, this does not define a good grade in the Enem. And worse: being excellent in public doesn't even put you on the same level as an average person in private. Sad but True, own experience.
— (lua)na (@lullisssss) October 16, 2022

3 weeks before the Enem test, social networks are full of posts from students who have finished high school and are desperate for the test, which could be crucial when it comes to getting a place at university, especially in public institutions.

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Just scroll through Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to find miraculous formulas, threads with “infallible methods” to do well on the test, memes and satire about stress before the exam.

It is common for a student's entire family to be permeated by anxiety. But participation, especially from parents, can help minimize these feelings of anguish and pressure, and make the student more focused and calm to perform at their best.

Educators Roberta and Taís Bento, from SOS Education, have prepared some tips to help guide family members in this final stretch for the exam:

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Now it's time to take the focus off the result, on the ability to pass, on getting a good grade. “The most important thing is what has been accomplished so far. Therefore, reinforce and value your child's efforts to reach this great moment. Praise his/her ability to adapt to the different challenges and situations faced throughout the year.”

Exchange phrases like “I'm sure you'll pass! Stay calm! You will get a great grade” by others like “I'm sure you tried hard enough to get here. All this study will make a difference in your life.”.

Ask the candidate What would be the other options if he doesn't get the grade needed to get into college or desired course. “Just ask and listen. It's okay if he doesn't have the answers. The important thing is not for him to decide now, but for him to understand that this is a possibility and that you, as a parent, already accept this possibility. If he comes back with answers, listen! Listen a lot and encourage him to design life options that go beyond the Enem result.”

The Enem tests take place on two Sundays: 13 20 and November.

Curto Curatorship:

How to control anxiety before Enem (Brazil School)
Enem 2022: find out when the Enem test location is open and how to access the participant page (JC Online)

SOS Education

Roberta Bento and Taís Bento, mother and daughter, are educators specialized in cognitive neuroscience and experts in the family-school relationship. They are the authors of the book “Help, My Son Doesn’t Study!” and members of the Academic Council of Simon Fraser University (Canada).

Roberta Bento had cerebral palsy at birth and one of the expected consequences was learning difficulties. Bringing together neuroscience, education and life history, Roberta shares how parents and teachers can be essential in a child's ability to learn so that they can develop their maximum potential and be able to face all difficulties.

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About the Author

Marcela Guimarães