What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “exam”?
Well, with our mind-reading capabilities, we could actually guess what you would have thought about! 🙂
To most parents and children, exams are synonymous with stress. It’s not easy to maintain a clear head and stop feeling tense during the time. But, it is not all bad. It can be healthy too, and without it, most students won’t be making the preparations and end up procrastinating. But, if it gets out of hand, then all hell breaks loose.
Being too tense or afraid can hamper your child’s ability to perform well in their exams. Exam anxiety is a real issue that can have physical and emotional effects. It can even cause problems in their daily life if left unchecked.
Managing tension and keeping calm will be crucial to how well your children perform in their exams.
So, what needs to be done?
Preparation is key!
Unpreparedness is the main reason for feeling tense during exam time. Plan well ahead of the exams. Start preparing early, and there will be less tension about not knowing enough. Help your children find techniques to study better that suit their needs. To do that, you would have to know their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to identify them is to attend mock tests. During exam time, mock tests are your child’s best friends. Make your children attend as many mock tests as they can. You can identify which topics need more attention and time. Mock tests can also help your child to learn to manage time during the exams. You can check out our previous blog on time management for more information.
Preparing for the exams shouldn’t be occupying all their waking hours. Let them have breaks and free time in between. Divide the study time to have intervals in between. It will help your children unwind and feel less tense. Have some fun time with your children. Play video games, watch a movie, or read a book.
Positive self talk
Teach your children to practice positive self-talk. Instead of telling yourself ‘I am going to fail’, say ‘I can do it’, and ‘I can do better’. Positive self-talk can boost your children’s performance. It can create a healthy outlook on life and will help you overcome the issues troubling you.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can help calm your children down. You can try out this one and see if it is helpful.
Breathe in for 3-4 seconds, hold your breath and then breathe out for 3-second. Continue doing this 4-5 times. This activity will normalise your heart rate and help you calm down. You can find many similar exercises online.
Health matters
Having a healthy body is vital for having a clear head. So, make sure your children have their meals on time, sleep enough and exercise regularly. When you are being physically active, your body releases endorphins. They are like mood lifters and will help you feel better. Exercise also helps you sleep better at night. Few things are as vital for your brain’s health as a good night’s sleep. Similarly, meditation and yoga can have a calming effect on you. It can teach you mindfulness and also have the added benefit of improving your concentration.
Be supportive parents
Do not add to your children’s stress. Be supportive and lend an ear when they need to talk. Make sure they understand that they have your support. Also, make sure that they have a peaceful study atmosphere at home. Do not trouble them over your issues or bad mood.
Do not compare your children with other children. Every child is unique. Comparing them with others will not have any of the benefits you think it will do.
Visualize performing well in the exam
Every day before your children go to sleep, tell them to close their eyes and visualize themselves doing well in the exams. It can have a positive effect on their morale and also help them work harder.
Review and adapt
Keep a daily journal and mark your progress and activities. Check periodically to see what is troubling them and offer your help if they need it.
Create a list of activities to do every day and check them off. Seeing that they are completing their daily goals can boost their confidence and help them calm down.
Exam day tips
On the day of the exam, try to reach the exam hall early and practice some breathing exercises. Sit in your designated seat and check your posture. Don’t slouch or bend over. Try to stay upright. It can help you breathe better and calm your nerves.
When you get the question paper, go over them once. First, decide on how you are going to answer and allot time for each section. Make sure that you don’t get stuck in a single question and waste the whole time. Keep your eye on the clock. If you feel stuck, move on to another question and come back after you finish others. Try the breathing exercises if you feel panicked.
Try these out and let us know if these prove helpful to your children. You can also check out other exam-related articles in our previous blog posts. All the best for the exams! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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