Help children beat exam stress

Help children beat exam stress

    Exams are round the corner and so is the stress, sleepless nights, panic and confusion that accompany them. Here are simple steps to see your children through this period. Reaffirm your love:Children do not really dread exams but what scares them is that they may hurt their loved ones by not measuring up to their expectations. Tell your children that whatever the result, you will face it and continue to love them.
Do not follow experts blindly:During exam time, there is a flood of expert advice on how students should sit, eat, sleep, relax, study and carry on with life. Parents may follow such dictums blindly and this takes away spontaneous space from around children. Advise them on a healthy lifestyle, but give them freedom to decide how to follow it.
Make them comfortable with competition:In our culture, we often emphasize cooperation and empathy, and as a result, students may feel scared of competing. Unconsciously, they feel that by competing, they are being aggressive, which causes panic and guilt. Tell your ward that healthy competition is good. Encouragement:Our children have their virtues and strong points, which we take for granted. Instead, we highlight their negatives in an attempt to improvethem. This backfires and shatters a child’s self-confidence. It can make them anxious, angry and think of themselves as underachievers. Encourage and highlight their strengths to fill them with confidence. Promote initiative:Rather than force targets, goals and study plans, give them freedom to chalk out their own initiatives. This helps them to be in control and positive and they are able to pursue their studies peacefully. Open communication:There will be differences of opinion between you and them on goals, time invested in study and the routine. Discuss these issues openly; explain what you feel and then understand their point of view. Work out a mutually acceptable plan. Seek expert help:Parents may experience shame or live in denial if things go out of control as they find it difficult to see their offspring in pain. If you encounter extreme behavioural changes, consult a psychologist. Some children feel anxious, depressed and suicidal and expert help can prevent progression towards a crisis.