In their role as enforcers, parents need to make sure particular schedule is followed. The most importantly, they should let their child know that they are very precious to them more than exam scores or result, write Smitha Chandrashekar & Dr Aruna Shukla
“PARENTS – Persistence, Attending, Responsible, Encouraging, Nurturing, Talented, Sacrifice.” It is magical, tranquil to know that someone is always there for you. Yes that’s PARENTS.
Exams are crucial in all aspects of life, particularly in school. From renowned universities and colleges to professional careers, students have an array of choices for their educational pursuits. It is crucial to evaluate the prerequisites because they often need extensive study or practice, focus, and a distraction-free setting. Exam season is hard for everyone, including students, guardians, and parents.
Parents are sometimes unaware about how to support their children in managing stress and anxiety before the exams. Even when parents are unable to change the situation of exams stress, it is their responsibility to help their child by taking small steps. They can help their children by keeping their home environment calm and happy, encourage them to take quick breaks while preparing for exams, and give them healthy snacks. Additionally, parents can assist their children in making plans by acting as mentors. They must listen to their problems and anxieties & offer them ongoing support as friend and mentor. In their role as enforcers, they need to make sure particular schedule is followed. The most importantly, they should let their child know that they are very precious to them more than exam scores or result.
To help parents there are some methods that can be incorporated to maintain stress free environment for children before, during, or after exams. Due to stress children performance gets impacted negatively.
By providing emotional support, creating a supportive environment, offering practical help, and maintaining open communication, parents can help alleviate stress and empower their children to face exams with confidence and resilience
- Provide complete attention: The love and care of a child’s parents is an incredible shield that only compassion can provide. It warms their hearts. Providing your child with both mental and physical support can have a significant impact on them. Students typically experience a great deal of stress and worry when preparing for exams. Knowing that someone is constantly there for them and actively listening to them can have a significant positive impact on their mental health.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Setting up a favourable learning environment at home is critical. Parents can ensure that distractions are avoided, study materials are easily accessible, and a routine is established to maintain a balance of study and rest.
- Emotional Support: Parents play a pivotal role in providing emotional support to their children during the stressful period of board exams. Encouraging words, positive affirmations, and a calm demeanor can help alleviate anxiety and boost confidence levels.
- Encouraging Healthy Habits: Healthy habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritious meals can have a substantial impact on a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well on exams. Parents can ensure that children gather adequate sleep, eat right and hydrate themselves especially during times of stress.
- Providing Perspective: Reminding children that exams are just one part of their academic journey and that their worth is not defined solely by their grades can help alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety.
- Managing Expectations: It is critical for parents to control their expectations and not put too much pressure on their children. Each child has distinct talents and abilities, and it is critical to encourage them regardless of their exam results.
- Providing Practical aid: Parents can aid their children by arranging study materials, providing access to additional resources or tutoring if needed, and assisting with time management and organizational skills.
- Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing and celebrating small achievements along the way can boost morale and motivate children to keep pushing forward. Every success, whether a great exam score or merely completing a challenging assignment, should be recognized and commended.
- Being a Role Model: Parents act as role models for their children, and exhibiting resilience, tenacity, and a positive attitude in the face of adversity can inspire and push them to succeed.
- Offering unconditional love and support: Parents should show their children unconditional love and support, informing them that they are cherished regardless of their exam achievement and that their well-being comes first.
The role of parents in supporting their children through exams is of outmost significance. By providing emotional support, creating a supportive environment, offering practical help, and maintaining open communication, parents can help alleviate stress and empower their children to face exams with confidence and resilience.
(Smitha Chandrashekar is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Coach at Artemis Assessment & Treatment Centre, Canada. She is a Certified Career Counsellor
Email Id: soulnspireinc@gmail.com
Dr. Aruna Shukla is a Consultant Psychologist/ Certified Career Counsellor Co-Founder & Managing Director – CAPS, India. She is Art of Living & IAHV Project Pavitra Trainer (Menstrual Health & Hygiene) Email Id: capsinternational2003@gmail.)
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