Curious about how to help your child with exam stress? Here are a few tips for helping kids decrease their stress levels and achieve success.
Exam time is usually a dreaded and stressful period for parents and children alike. But a little support and motivation can go a long way in reducing stress levels so you can beat exam stress and exam anxiety.
It’s important to make sure your kids have the right environment and learn in a way that works for them. As a parent, it’s your job to assist them where you can. This could be something as simple as showing support or creating a space where they can study effectively.
How to Cope With Stress During Exams
When it comes to dealing with exam stress, it can seem overwhelming. Exam time isn’t easy for anyone, but it doesn’t have to be a stress-filled nightmare.
Here are some guidelines of what you can do to make life and studying a bit easier for your child (and, in effect, you too!). Not only will they be happier and more confident, but their exam results will likely improve.
Create a consistent study environment.
According to parentzone.org.uk, it’s best to set up a study corner that is comfortable and inviting to work in, with as few distractions as possible. Everything should be close at hand so they don’t have to spend time searching for things like highlighters, post it notes, paper, etc.
Keep communication open
It’s important to show that you are interested in your child’s studies. Ask them how they are doing, do they need any help, how did the exam go. Sometimes a child just needs to vent or know you care about their well-being.
Encourage relaxation and taking part in other activities to unwind
These can be things like exercising, listening to music, painting and interacting with friends. These can aid significantly in stress management.
Try the Pomodoro Technique
When it comes to studying and breaks, the Pomodoro Technique is the most effective in the world. Study for 25 minutes with 5-minute breaks in between each study session. After four cycles of 25-minute studies, take a longer 30-minute break.
Help your child stay focused by following a well-structured study schedule
According to brainbuxa.com, discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. It’s important to enforce restrictions, but don’t micro-manage. Show your child that you trust him/her enough to take responsibility. Exam preparation is a great way to stay on top of everything.
Adapt to their needs
If your child prefers being quizzed to prep for exams, put in the effort and make it a time of bonding rather than a time of frustration. Stay calm, create flash cards and reward accomplishments by sneaking in a favourite snack.
Ensure that your child eats healthy and gets enough sleep
These are very important factors for the brain to recharge and function properly, especially during exam time.
Always remember to use words of encouragement
Whether the exam went well or not. Help your child to stay positive. Most children are less worried about the exam itself than about disappointing their parents or losing the respect of their fellow classmates if they do badly. So if it didn’t go well, instead of dwelling on the mistakes, which they cannot change, rather help them relax and prepare for the next exam.
Exam Stress Management for Kids
Exams are undoubtedly a stressful time for both kids and parents. This stress can, in turn, negatively affect mental health, physical health, familial relationships, and exam results.
But by implementing the above tips, you can help to improve exam stress management for your kids and figure out how to help your child with exam stress.
“The role of the parent is very important in this online teaching journey. Parents should create and promote a positive learning environment for the student. Parents should also encourage the student to follow a routine to stay focussed and to develop responsibility, self-discipline and independence. Our teachers, student mentors and tutors all have one goal in mind and that is to see our students succeed and prosper,” says Belinda van der Westhuizen, Wingu-Academy’s Director of Education and Assessments. “Most importantly, celebrate your child’s accomplishments and enjoy the journey with them.”