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During this time of the year we understand that many students will be feeling stressed about their exams.

During this time of the year we understand that many students will be feeling stressed about their exams. We also understand that parents too, can be worried about how their child will perform. As it is natural to want your child to get the best possible marks in their exams.

To cope with exam stress children, need a positive environment and parents need to enable this provision.

Things parents should NOT DO:

• Don’t push them for scores. This could be a big source of pressure (unrealistic expectations).
• Don’t compare them with others. For instance, siblings will prepare for exams in different ways so try not to draw a comparison between your children.
• Don’t tell your child to study constantly. They know when they should be revising. Maybe they are on break, struggling to revise. How about: “how is your studying going? Or “what are you revising at the moment, can I help?”.
• Don’t create fear of failure. Your child knows if they don’t succeed at this it means that their whole life is a failure. They need to know there is not one prefect plan but there are multiple ways to success.
• Don’t deprive them from going out, watching T.V or meeting friends. Taking breaks would help your child feel refreshed, but there should be an amount of self-control on how much time is spent during these breaks.
• Don’t override on their breathing space. Studying is important, but you don’t want your child to feel extra stressed. Give them the space to find their flow and revise on their own way.

Things parent should DO

• Point out their strengths. Helping them identify their strengths and positive qualities will reinforce your child’s self-esteem and confidence. This should be reflected in your everyday conversations with your child.
• Allow them to go out and play sports. It helps in reducing stress and anxiety, increases memory, improves coping skills and concentration.
• Share your experiences. This is key in creating deeply satisfying relationship with your child and putting them in a place of positive influence.
• Help them celebrate their achievements. At this time of the year, any goal they accomplish will be big and they need to be praised and have the time to celebrate. This would reinforce their motivation and keep them working towards their next goals.
• Encourage them to stop worrying and enjoy the studying. Most of the children need that assurance that there is nothing to worry about there is a way of enjoying the revising.
• Be there to help. Make sure they know that you’re a ready shoulder for they need to talk or raise concern.
• Keep them fed. During revising time, it is really important to make sure that your child is eating healthy and the right kinds of food.

Remember, if your child is constantly stressed, worried, anxious, unable to cope with pressure. Please feel free to contact their teacher or the school counsellors.