Remember the pressure of exams? You know that time, when you thought you would be better off partying with friends? Problem is, it all seemed like a distant memory until your children start doing their exams. It all comes flooding back. Don’t worry, you can help them by being calm and supportive and offering simple words of advice.
Often younger brother and sisters will start playing up as they are jealous of all the extra attention the older child is getting. Just explain that it is only going to be like this for a little while. You could also do some fun things with the younger ones so they don’t feel forgotten and left out.
You can’t sit your child’s exams for them but you can help everyone through this difficult time with the least amount of stress as possible. Don’t give your child expectations by telling them you know they will do well. It’s better to tell them you want them to do their best. Small treats and rewards, such as cooking their favourite meal, make your child feel important and cared for.
Relate say that it is vital to keep things in perspective during exam time. Exams may feel like the only way to success for many teenagers, but there are plenty of other keys to happiness out there. Relate also suggest that teenager stay away from people who wind them up. They suggest that they would be better to hang out with people who make them feel calm. these people are often the best ones to turn to when you don’t understand something.
Don’t spend ages trying to get your head round something for too long. Chances are you will just blow it all out of proportion and stress even more. Ask a teacher or a friend. If they are studying for the same exams, chances are they will know the answer and you might even be able to help them with something they might be struggling with.
“Firstly I would encourage parents to help their children to find a good space in which to study. It can be the kitchen table if necessary as long as for the duration of their studying you respect their need for peace and quiet. Also try to agree a time table for studying and make everyone in the household aware that they need to be extremely considerate during these times. Be supportive and encouraging and even though you may be feeling anxious and worried about how your child will cope, keep your own anxiety under control.”
As a hypnotherapist and counsellor, Denise is well aware that many people approach exams with trepidation rather than viewing them as the chance to gain reward for all the years of effort and hard work. She says the most obvious factor which inhibits the capacity to learn is fear, so it is important to tackle the problem before exam day arrives.
“Poor study habits can result in total frustration and desperation but there are valuable strategies which can be used to aid memory retention and help an individual to manage their time far more effectively. There really is no need for sleepless nights and anxiousness over exams. Strategies to help learning can make a powerful difference to the whole process. It’s all about enabling people to take control and to approach the learning experience and exams with self-confidence and motivation.”
For more information and tips on dealing with exam stress please visit:exam stress. Also published at Exam Stress? – Some Tips To Help Your Child.
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