Letting your student know that their family is cheering them on during exam time provides that extra boost needed to finish the semester out on a strong note. Here are some tips to help you support your student:

• Encouraging and motivational messages go a long way. Offer support by sending a text, card, email or post to the student’s Facebook page.
• Quick positive messages make a difference. “You’ve got this” and “I’m proud of you” are great ways to motivate your student.
• Don’t take it personally if your student is off the communication grid during exams. They are busy studying and taking exams so finding the time for a long conversation might be difficult.
• Remind your student that healthy eating (fruits, vegetables and lots of water), sleep (they won’t get as much rest as they normally might but sleep will help keep their mind sharp), and physical activity (the Foster Rec Center, http://www.missouristate.edu/reccenter/, is a perfect place to clear the mind) help ward off extra stress.