9 Helpful Tips for parents to help your child beat exam stress

Introduction  

Exams are stressful situations for both parents and children. Though this is normal, keeping up with their never-ending schedules and preparation plans can be difficult. While the time leading up to exams can be challenging for students, parents often experience exam stress. It is perfectly normal for parents to have concerns about their child’s exams.

How can stress impact a child’s performance?  

Children experiencing increased anxiety and stress may experience panic attacks and struggle to concentrate and remember information during the exam. They might also misread or misunderstand the questions in certain cases. Stress makes a person think negatively, which leads students to believe that exams determine whether their lives are successful or unsuccessful.

Many students get anxious since children are concerned about their parents’ reactions to poor exam results. A parent should encourage a positive attitude towards tests by working to break this mindset pattern.

Signs of parental stress  

Anxiety  

Anxiety is an indicator of stress in parenting. A sign that stress is beginning to set in if the parent is becoming more tense and anxious than usual. This is made more apparent when parents start to approach their child’s home tutor with every concern imaginable.  

Parents will occasionally approach teachers and ask a lot of questions about hypothetical situations that haven’t yet occurred. They might also begin to express their anxiety about the upcoming tests as if they will be the ones sitting for them.

Nagging  

While tutors usually welcome parent calls or texts as a way to build a positive rapport with them, constant contact with the tutors might be a sign of helicopter parenting (overprotective parenting).  

This may result from the parents’ high-stress levels, which provokes them to inquire about their child’s progress after the tutor has just spoken to them.  

A simple phone call or text from the parent can develop into a lengthy conversation and may be perceived as nagging if done frequently.

Scolding the child  

When parents are under stress, they sometimes snap at their kids. If the parent feels their child is not performing well or working hard during their study sessions, they may become quite demanding and reprimand the child.  

The child may suffer psychologically and emotionally as a result of this. Although hitting the child is a form of venting their tension, it is all the more stressful for the child.

Anger  

People who are under stress will also begin to struggle more with controlling their anger. Parents are likely to be under stress if they start to shout when speaking to tutors or if they start to get extremely impatient for the smallest things.

Factors that a parent should notice  

Here are certain signs to watch out for as a parent on how the child is handling pressure and stress during exams.

Look for any changes in the child’s routine.

• Varying sleeping patterns
• Feeling exhausted always
• Lack of true motivation
• Modified eating pattern.

Look for physical changes

• Severe acne breakouts
• Headaches
• Stomach discomfort
• Other body disorders that might not have a clear cause.

Look for behavioural changes in your child

• Withdrawn and staying silent
• Afraid of being alone
• Gloomy moods
• Increased anxiety when there are around people
• Angrier or more easily agitated than usual
• Expressing a sense of hopelessness or negativity.

Ways to Cope with Parent’s exam stress  

Make a schedule  

Making a realistic timetable for the child considerably reduces pre-exam anxiety for the parents since it evenly distributes time for relaxing, studying and revising.  

It is easier to assist in creating a study plan and setting realistic goals because, as a parent knows the child’s daily schedule the best. The child will feel more rested and refreshed when they start studying for the exams if they follow a well-balanced schedule.

Be careful to provide regular, short breaks because they can greatly increase the child’s productivity.

Regarding the child’s feelings  

Parents’ feelings during this time are justifiable like students worry during exams. It’s important to remember that parents shouldn’t dismiss their emotions since doing so can make them worry even more.  

Comprehending and realising what the child is going through and what they are experiencing helps the child.  

It’s equally essential to remember that teachers shouldn’t let their own feelings and emotions get in the way of their work. When parents begin to express their concerns about their children’s tests, tutors may occasionally become defensive.  

Some tutors might interpret this as a blow at their abilities to assist the student with their studies, although this isn’t always the case. Teachers should be more empathetic with parents to avoid making the situation worse for both the parent and the student.

Though parents are stressed, it is vital to put their children first.

Clarify their problems  

Parents can clarify the student’s doubts or get help from teachers to understand their concerns.

Once the issue has been correctly identified, coming up with solutions will be a lot simpler.  

Parents can ask questions and clarify their doubts to the tutor. By addressing the primary concern of the parents’ anxieties, the tutor will gain greater perspective, be able to come up with solutions and be able to help ensure the student receives the highest possible grade.  

Hire a tutor  

Hiring a tutor is highly beneficial. Students get curated solutions by working with a one-on-one tutor. They also tailor according to a child’s academic requirements.

Tutors are aware that studying for an exam requires not only having the required reading material at hand but also properly understanding and remembering the subject.  

Parents can also be worry-free when they know their child has proper guidance.

Provide information  

When parents are unaware of how their child is progressing academically, they begin to worry. Some parents will worry even if they lack concrete evidence of their child’s success or failure.  

Parents occasionally require proof that their child is making progress and is capable of handling the upcoming exams. Showing anxious parents’ evidence of their child’s growth is the greatest method to deal with them.  

Coordinating with the teacher and getting updates on the child’s academic performance greatly helps.  

Get adequate sleep  

Many of us fail to understand the importance of adequate sleep. Poor sleep can impact the child’s mood, which can increase stress.  

Therefore, in the days preceding the exam, make sure getting enough sleep is a top priority for both the parent and the child.  

A restful night’s sleep will undoubtedly reduce stress and improve the child’s ability to focus. Getting enough sleep is crucial in the event of disrupted sleeping patterns as it helps in the brain’s ability to retain new knowledge and information.

Relieve pressure

The child’s exams are very significant, and receiving good marks is required for their future aspirations.

However, parents must teach them the value of developing abilities rather than just receiving excellent marks. Before the exam, talk to the child to ensure they’re at ease.  

Parents should also understand that their child’s grades do not define their intelligence and place more value on their capabilities.

Make healthy and nutritious food

Students tend to skip meals, prioritising studies. They require both food and sleep to stay healthy and to manage stress.  

Parents should see that their child eats healthily and gets enough sleep since the effort put in by the parent and the child shouldn’t go in vain. Maintaining their health will motivate and enable them to perform to the best of their abilities.   

An all-nighter accompanied by caffeine is less likely to be fruitful than a healthy diet, a regular exercise routine, and a study session after a leisurely walk.  

Adding at least one fruit to the child’s daily diet is a healthy option. Eating wholesome, home-cooked meals would also drastically lower the risk of experiencing a stomach upset and other gastrointestinal pain before the exam.

Practice stress-busting activities  

Take the child for walks, runs, yoga sessions, or participation in their chosen activity. The bond between the parent and the child will strengthen as a result. Any mindful exercise will increase energy and help the child and parent be effective.  

Start the study session with a 10-minute meditation or simple pranayama programme to bring awareness to the relationship between the mind and body.   

Conclusion  

Exam time stress affects both the parent and the child. Parents should seek support from friends, relatives, or even a professional while experiencing stress.  

Make sure the child realises the value of maintaining a balance between the need to do well and setting aside time for hobbies and other pursuits.

Exam stress may stress the parent but always remember that what matters most is being there for the child. The test period will pass swiftly and without difficulty as long as the parent helps the child study.

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