Introduction
Exams, being an event of huge magnitude, may be overwhelming for children. It is a mental stress invested by the exam in the mind of a child and hampers the general mental and emotional need of the child. So, as a parent, one of the best ways to prepare a child for an exam is to build a pre-exam routine. A routine that is firm but supportive will let a child feel stable and in control and therefore less anxious and enable a child to focus. This includes making consistent habits of relaxation, good study practices, and good all-around well-being before exams.
Sometimes developing a pre-exam routine may not be easy. But simple and practical steps can help your child immensely in how they take their exams. Parents play a huge role in this endeavor by steering them toward this path and supporting their children. By developing good habits and a harmonious daily timetable, parents can ensure that their kids go into exams more confidently, with less stress, and better prepared. Actually, such a step will not only help improve academic performance and build resilience but also provide positive ways of coping with various challenges, a skill he will find helpful beyond his or her school years.
Developing a Pre-Exam Routine
Setting a Regular Study Timetable
A regular study routine provides the foundation to an effective pre-exam routine. The parent should collaborate with the child in making a timetable, that is, where he will write down for how many hours, he needs to study the subject in a day or a week, leaving some gaps between them. Consistency reminds the child through development of a study routine to study at about the same time every day, which can make it less difficult than anticipated. That includes brief, regular study sessions instead of long, more like approached sessions to help retention and to prevent stress.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques have to be routine for the pre-exams: this actually helps children to overcome the stress and anxiety greatly. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even yoga with them a day or, as necessary when overwhelmed, these techniques calm the mind and body. They promote good focus, reduce tension and, as such, provide an excellent results-oriented approach required in lessening stress in exams. So, the child can take some minutes daily to be relaxed and free of stress.
Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the best stress-relievers and an especially important part of a healthy pre-exam routine. As a parent, your child needs to be encouraged by you to develop some form of regular physical activity: a daily walk, a sport, even a short workout at home. Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals which help improve your mood and reduce stress. It also allows them to have a healthy break from studying so they can come back to their work with their minds feeling fresh. Physical activity throughout the day contributes to good physical and mental health.
Ensure Proper Nutrition
A healthy diet and proper hydration are necessary to maintain energy levels and concentration during the exam period. They must ensure their children consume balanced meals comprising high quantities of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and lean proteins. Snacks should also be healthy because too much sugar and caffeine can offer short-term energy with a quick dump of energy followed by a more significant anxiety feeling. Of equal importance is staying hydrated by drinking ample water all day long because good nutrition and hydration promote cognitive function as well as good health and thereby exam performance.
Promote Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory retention, and overall well-being. Parents should emphasize the importance of a regular sleep schedule, ensuring that their children get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes winding down activities such as reading, listening to calm music, or taking a warm bath can help children relax and prepare for sleep. Avoiding screens and stimulating activities before bed is also important, as these can interfere with the ability to fall asleep. A well-rested mind is more alert and capable of handling the demands of exam preparation.
Parents play an essential role in assisting their children in navigating the hurdles of examinations with self-assurance and resiliency by actively engaging in their children's preparation for the pre-exam period.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
