Expert tips for parents: Supporting your child through matric results
Experts provide advice to parents on how they can support their children as matric 2025 results are set to be released next week.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
As the release of the 2025 matric results approaches next Tuesday, the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) is urging parents to be attentive and seek professional help if they notice signs of serious distress in their children.
Parents should look out for changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, isolation, and a loss of interest in activities the child typically enjoys.
Dr Lauren Martin, a counselling psychologist and dean at SACAP, highlights the importance of helping young people understand that their entire success is not solely dependent on their marks. This perception creates high pressure and can lead to mental health challenges.
“It's time for parents to keep focus their on their child’s strengths, efforts, and their emerging identity, shifting attention away from concerns on specific outcomes like marks,” she says.
Martin also stresses that there are multiple pathways available for every matric outcome, and parents should emphasise resilience and flexibility.
Praneetha Jugdeo, head of SACAP in Durban, suggests that after the results are released, parents can best show support through exploration rather than dictating specific outcomes.
Jugdeo notes that today's world offers numerous options for finding a pathway to a fulfilling career.
“For pupils who do not achieve a Bachelor’s pass, higher certificate programmes provide an excellent route to further education. Additionally, a gap year — which could involve work, short courses, or travel — can offer valuable time for young people to gain a mature perspective, and improve self-knowledge before committing to long-term tertiary education or career choices.”
Kagiso Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust, reinforces the idea that university is not the sole path to success, encouraging pupils not to overlook technical and vocational skills.
She states that the economy urgently needs more artisans, technicians, and skilled workers.
Moitse advises the classes of 2025 and 2026 to genuinely assess their strengths, acknowledging that academic study is not suitable for everyone, which is perfectly acceptable.
She recommends thoroughly researching options, considering in-demand skills, and remembering that vocational skills can often lead to superior jobs, higher earnings, and greater job security compared to many degree qualifications.
Parents and teens can access support through organisations such as:
- SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) - Chat online with a counsellor seven days a week from 9am - 4pm via the Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line 076 882 2775. SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back – available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- The Counselling Hub - Book a session: 021 462 3902 or 067 235 0019 or Email: info@counsellinghub.org.za
- LifeLine South Africa – 24 hours / seven days per week. National Counselling Line 0861-322-322.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za