Grandkids doing exams

You’re not a ‘Badgran’ Daddima, well, if you are, then so am I.

I know roughly when they are doing certain things, i.e. exams, driving tests, if they inform us of that, but I certainly don’t follow precisely all they are doing.

We live in the same small market town, but maybe go for a while not seeing each other.

Usually hear how things have gone after the event.

Some grans seem so invested in every aspect of their GC’s lives.

I always feel interested and concerned for them, but very much one step removed.

That’s their parents job, not mine.

I sometimes think I should change my name to ‘ Badgran’! I honestly could not tell you when any of my grandchildren have particular exams, far less feel I have to do anything about it. I did know about grandson 1’s driving test, but his sister kept hers a secret. They do share results with me, and what that means regarding further education, but that’s about it.

Three of mine have survived GCSE and A-levels with decent results. I think I supplied some a pack of fibre pens, but they managed without my input - apart from a bit of tutoring on Macbeth. Youngest has passed his GCSEs and is en route to A-levels. He always seems surprisingly well organised.

I teach at a private school and many students are lacking equipment for lessons and exams, but poverty is not the issue for them.
Our two sons had to be responsible from the age of 11 as both my husband and myself worked full-time. They travelled to and from school on public transport. We'd get them up and get them breakfast, but they had to get to school independently. We also taught them to check their timetables in the evening and pack their bags ready for the next day. I do that myself, for work.

There's nothing wrong with texting 'Good luck with maths tomorrow morning. Is this the one that needs a calculator?' rather than overtly babying.

I was at boarding school from the age of nine, so I learned to remember stuff for myself very quickly!

Grandma70s

My grandson (also autistic) only did some of his mock GCSEs. He only goes into school about 3 times a week - can’t cope with the crowds and noise. However, he got a 9 for English and a 6 for chemistry, the only marks so far - so we are pleased. He dislikes sciences so the 6 was better than expected.

Good for him.
My grandson is doing 3 GCSEs and 2 Level 1 BTechs. He hopes to have some results before he breaks up tomorrow.
You must be very proud of him.

The best way to improve is when something doesn't go as expected

Let these students reach the university or work assignment as responsible and independent adults

My 15 year old autistic GDD has just done her mock GCSEs. The fact that she actually turned up for them all was an enormous step forward.She did some revision and even said one or two of them weren't too bad. This is a huge step for her and any input from me would have been seen as pressure. Just the occasional text during exams and then we're seeing her at Christmas for a catch up.

That's a good idea Cambsnan. I think organisation is such a hard thing to master when your mind is busy on the actual matters in an overstretched brain. I often fly by the seat of my pants, or knickers!
I send good luck messages for my young DGC for dance exams and football matches, and always add in, "Don't forget your ......" I don't think it's interfering, and they can just ignore me if they like.
I'll save the teenage equipment idea for a few years hence. Thank you.

A good school will get them into exam routine starting with Mocks, maybe even in year 10. They need to get their act together, so by the time they get to university it is second nature.

I invigilate at a university and although they do their exams on laptops, they still ask for pens etc so they can write notes on scrap paper. They also don’t think to bring in chargers for their laptop or tissues or calculators. These are medical students so heaven help us when they are qualified!

I'm pretty sure doing that would be classed as overstepping the mark by both the grandchildren and their parents

My grandson (also autistic) only did some of his mock GCSEs. He only goes into school about 3 times a week - can’t cope with the crowds and noise. However, he got a 9 for English and a 6 for chemistry, the only marks so far - so we are pleased. He dislikes sciences so the 6 was better than expected.

But one day, they really will have to think for themselves and not get reminders from mums, grans, whoever.

If you’re talking about 16 + ages, doing GCSE’s and A levels, that time is now.

After starting grammar school at 11, I always had a weekly timetable for myself, outlying when I needed PE kit, cookery basket, games kit, whatever.

It was up to me to plan ahead, and has stood me in good stead thereafter.

A nice idea and a brave one because, as you say, that age group dislike being babied.
My 15 year old grandson has just finished his mock GCSEs but being autistic he is super organised. The only thing I needed to do was to send a good luck message every morning on an exam day.