Stress and anxiety happen during exam periods, especially with teens. Exam season is always filled with tension and uncertainty. It may leave many teenagers feeling envious, feeling peer pressure. The unknown also strikes fear into their hearts, for after an exam comes an opportunity, and the students may fear how their grades will decide their destiny.
Time constraints make it even more stressful. Managing study sessions with extracurricular activities, social life, and much-needed relaxation can be a heavy burden. Irregular study schedules and lack of sleep contribute to anxiety as well, because sacrificing sleep for studying affects concentration, memory, and general well-being.
Board exams mean a lot in a teenager's life and logically create enough stress and anxiety. Make the room open and have a way in which they share their fears while listening to them without judgment. Guide them through such a challenging period:
Be there for your child: Let him know that these feelings are not abnormal. Instruct him about what is exactly stressing him or making him feel anxious, say fear of failing, pressure of performing, and running out of time. At some point, some stress works in favor; too much is bad and creates an obstacle in his way.
Teach him to develop study habits: Help your child prepare a schedule for studying by dividing the syllabus into workable sections and allocating specific time slots for each subject. Equally important is building a distraction-free environment in which to study. Try making sure they have a quiet, well-lit space. Also, they should be told not to depend on a single study method. Encourage the usage of flashcards, mind maps, and practice tests for different methods, thereby facilitating better retention.
Ensure your child is healthy: Ensure they eat healthy food and avoid junk food or caffeine. They should sleep enough, as sleep is a key component of memory and concentration. Make sure they exercise regularly because it helps reduce stress and improve mood. Also, educate them on how to relax by teaching them deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
Advise time management to your wards: Teach your children how to manage their time wisely. Teach them to focus on the important things and give proper time to each. Advise them to start early and not cram at the last minute. Remind them at the right times to take breaks, avoid burnout, and retain information better.
Offer emotional support: Keep close communication with them and encourage them to tell their fears and anxieties. Listen to and reassure them emotionally. Celebrate their efforts regardless of the outcome; remind them that the exams form one part of what they have planned, and winning is not singular. Avoid extra pressure on children and pay attention to praise for their endeavors and growth instead.
Board exams are one of the significant milestones that define a teen's life, and it is very natural for them to feel stressed and anxious. Well, while it’s understandable to be concerned about their future, don’t criticize them for their stress. Instead, encourage open communication. Board exams are a major milestone where kids as well as parents, naturally feel the pressure. Here’s a guide to help your child prepare well, ensuring they manage the stress level required:
Facilitate early reparation: Urge your child to begin preparing at least two months before the exams instead of studying all at once at the last minute. This will enable them to have enough time to plan and prepare without feeling stressed. Apart from that, make a study schedule for them. Come up with a realistic plan of action with them to divide the syllabus into smaller parts. Schedule dedicated times for each subject, considering their comfort areas and those requiring more attention. Advise them further to prioritize the harder subjects. Guide them to identify the significant and difficult subjects that carry more weight. Let them pay specific attention to these areas for a balanced and effective study routine.
Foster active learning. Engage your child in the material through active learning by making a summary of the key concepts and mind maps and summarizing them for others. This assists in better understanding and recall. Also, confirm if your child takes class notes for learning and revision. If not, direct them on how to take effective class notes by underlining key points, formulas, examples, etc. Use visual aids. Support the use of diagrams, charts, and flashcards to keep things interesting for them and boost memory. Maintain regular practice. Topics like mathematics, science, and geography have to be regularly practiced. Let your child attempt as many sums, work out previous papers, and take practice tests to ensure he or she becomes confident with the subject matter.
Encourage seeking help when needed: Remind your child that asking for help is perfectly fine. Teach them that when they need it, reaching out to teachers, classmates, or family members in times of concept confusion is perfectly normal. It would also not hurt to ask for a tutor to supplement your child in school in difficult subjects.
Be an encouraging force during their preparation. Avoid bringing unnecessary pressure, but instead try to create a happy, motivational environment at home. Keep lines of communication open and listen with empathy to concerns while reassuring them whenever they get nervous.
Last but not least, make them believe in themselves and stay positive. Teach them to realize their strengths and help them develop from there. Encourage them with small victories so that their motivational levels don’t drop.