It's the mid year college entrance examination season again, and some experts suggest that parents should learn to "leave a moderate amount of blank space". This seemingly simple suggestion has made some parents confused: what exactly is "moderation"? What constitutes' blank space '? In addition to the intense preparation, parents should not forget that sometimes the most powerful support is the restrained companionship. The most contradictory phenomenon at present is that the more parents want to help their children, the more likely they are to be counterproductive. As experts have pointed out, some parents supervise their children's learning around the clock and establish strict daily routines, claiming to "ensure exam preparation effectiveness". In fact, this comprehensive intervention is depriving children of their most valuable ability for self-directed learning. What's even more frightening is that some parents are not aware that their actions have crossed the line, and instead feel that 'this is all for the good of their children'. Little do they know, excessive care is like excessive fertilizer, which not only fails to promote children's growth, but also burns the seedlings. In terms of diet, this excessive intervention is particularly evident. Pre exam nutritional supplements have become a common practice for many parents, as if eating an extra bite of sea cucumber can increase their scores by 10 points. In fact, sudden changes in dietary habits may actually cause gastrointestinal discomfort and affect children's performance in exams. Some doctors suggest avoiding significant dietary adjustments before and after exams. But in reality, how many parents can resist giving their children extra meals? This excessive intervention in diet essentially reflects the anxiety of parents who have nowhere to place themselves. Emotional management is another critical area. Some parents may say 'relax' to their children on the surface, but they themselves are so anxious that they can't sleep at night. This kind of 'saying one thing and doing another' behavior is actually seen by children. The theory of "emotional traffic lights" proposed by doctors is very enlightening: parents should learn to stop in a timely manner when they are emotionally excited, giving themselves time to calm down. Especially in the anxious and tense atmosphere before exams, parents need to possess such emotional management skills. It is worth pondering that excessive intervention by parents often stems from their own psychological needs. By controlling their children's academic life, parents gain an illusory sense of control, as if doing so can ensure exam success. But educational psychology research shows that moderate autonomy can actually stimulate children's learning motivation more. Parents who know how to leave blank spaces often cultivate more resilient children. Therefore, on the eve of the college entrance examination, the key for parents to effectively support their children is to maintain a calm mindset and avoid transferring their anxiety to their children. Whether before, during or after the exam, parents should adjust their emotions, examine and manage their inner state, create a more stable environment, and meet the challenges brought by the college entrance examination. The core of moderate "blank space" lies in trust - trust in children's self-discipline, trust in the process of education, trust in the power of growth. This trust is not laissez faire, but the wisdom to stop at critical moments. Just as Chinese painting emphasizes leaving blank spaces, the art of education also lies in knowing when to stop. Leaving blank space is not a blank space, but a way to leave ample room for children's growth. Parents should set reasonable expectations and goals based on their children's actual abilities, avoid excessive pressure caused by high expectations, and give their children full trust, so that they can study at their own pace with peace of mind. In terms of family atmosphere, try to maintain the rhythm of daily life, chat more about relaxed and pleasant topics, create a warm and harmonious family environment, and avoid putting the whole family in a state of "high school entrance examination vigilance". Three meals a day should be scheduled and quantified, and regular eating habits should be developed to avoid adding or omitting meals at will. At the same time, efforts should be made to minimize "big tonics" or disrupting daily diets to avoid causing gastrointestinal discomfort and even exacerbating candidates' anxiety. In this preparation season, perhaps the most important thing we should remember is that exams are ultimately the child's own business. Excessive parental intervention not only fails to provide assistance, but may also become a psychological burden for children. Learning to leave a moderate amount of "blank space" is not only a respect for children's growth, but also a reverence for the laws of education. After all, the best companionship sometimes happens to be letting go at the right time. (New Society)