Exams are scary for most children and few kids have little love for them. Though young kids soon grow to like school, with all its nice teachers and fun friends, their fear of exams remains consistent throughout student life. But fear should not be their prevalent approach for such testing situations, as adulthood will not offer a second chance. Many children nowadays faint on exam mornings or end up crying after a test due to self-doubt.
But that was never the purpose of examinations and tests. Exams are meant to teach kids their strengths and weaknesses, albeit in a tough manner. But they are essential for their learning and academic excellence. Therefore, the narrative needs to be changed. Instead of worrying about exams and fearing them, it's time for children to develop a positive mindset. Help your kids develop a healthy mindset towards examinations with these handy tips.
It is important to set realistic, achievable goals for studying, especially before exams. Of course, syllabus completion is priority. But focus on finishing a few easier chapters with your kid first, as this will give them the confidence they need to go deeper and put more effort into complex chapters. Realistic achievement, no matter how small, is satisfying and confidence-boosting, always.
Effective time management is essential. Teach your kids the art of scheduling personalized study schedules daily, according to exam needs. This will help them achieve their academic goals faster while gaining confidence and fostering a healthy, positive mindset towards exams and one’s own capacities.
It is important for kids to practice mindfulness and meditation before exams. Mindfulness helps your kids focus on every tiny bit of their life while grounding them in the present, and meditation improves self-reflection and positive thinking in children. Since they also reduce stress, they are the ideal companions for your kid during exam season.
It is important for school kids to have sufficient emotional and mental support for their children. Every kid is special and talented in their own way and since the world has multiple kinds of intelligence and not enough school exams for them, if their result is not what was expected, be there for them. Of course, you will have to motivate them to do better, but often negative reinforcement is not the right answer. Consider their mindset and mood and interact accordingly.
It is important for kids to provide adequate breaks. Children who keep on studying without breaks often do not get enough rest to retain information and utilize it appropriately, resulting in poor academic performance and increased exam pressure. Even if their math exam is two days away, if they are working diligently and sincerely, ensure they get sufficient breaks. Make them take a 10 to 15-minute break for every 1 to 1.5 hour of solid studying, it can be a walk, a conversation, or even a small nap.
Academic assistance is a touchy subject as Indian parents often end up overhelping and making their kids dependent on them for studying and handling exam stress. Make it known to your kids that you are available for help if they get stuck on a problem or question, otherwise, make them study on their own. This will teach them self-reliance and responsibility towards their exams, helping to gain a new perspective.
Effective stress management is necessary for kids. Since most kids fear their exams, or parents, or both, they end up burdened with special exam stress. Instead, teach them stress management. Practice mindful breathing, meditation, and yoga with your kids daily during exams. Even 10-to-15-minute daily sessions can do wonders for your kid’s approach towards exam stress by adding a positive touch to every thought.
It is ideal to talk positively with children during exams. This does not mean agreeing to all their demands or lack of discipline. Instead, try to use positive or affirmative words for the same. If they have finished 4 chapters, instead of 6, and do not wish to study anymore, then do not scold them. This will cause negative impact and create resentment. Instead, ask them to revise the studied chapters and take a break. After the break, use snacks as a positive reinforcement for the next study session. Remember, a healthy mind and body does wonders for positivity and may end up changing their entire approach to exams for good.
Adopting a positive mindset is easier said than done. But all it requires is your steadfast patience and the above tips to help your child develop a healthy mindset towards exams. Give this guide a try and watch them handle exam stress and life hurdles with ease.