No matter how hard one studies for the examinations or how well prepared they are, it is inevitable that students feel anxious and stressed out when the exam season hits. While this is a perfectly normal occurrence, it can start to affect an individual’s focus, especially when they find themselves unable to manage their stress levels. As parents, seeing our children struggling to cope could, in turn, make us feel stressed out as well. Thus, working on your child’s stress levels would not only benefit them, but could also help you manage yours effectively.
In this article, we share 5 helpful tips to help students overcome the heightened stress and anxiety levels they might face amid the exam season.
Tip 1: Be calm amid all obstacles
This is understandably easier said than done, but the first step to tackling the exams is clear as day: simply stay calm! Staying calm enables students to be free of worries and see the bigger picture; therefore, they could remain focused on acing the exams and achieving their desired results.
Additionally, it may also be beneficial to inform your child that even if things go wrong or they might have performed poorly, there will be more opportunities in the future to succeed. Children often experience stress as a result of their fear of failing those who matter to them, such as you, so talking about and rationalising disappointment may help ease their minds.
Above all, it would be best to note that this is not merely a suggestion for your child; it is also a recommendation for you as their parents! Kids are often influenced by their parent’s actions; hence, if you are stressed, then the chances are that your children will be stressed as well. As such, it is critical to effectively manage your stress so that it does not put an unnecessary amount of strain on your child.
Tip 2: Stay calm with relaxation techniques
If you find yourself struggling to get your child to stay calm and focused, then relaxation techniques could be something you can consider for your child. Most of the time, one may find that anxiety could very well erase a great deal of work and exam preparations that they have already made. To avoid this from happening, here are some techniques that your child can use to calm down:
- Practice mindfulness: Close your eyes and focus on the present moment, such as any slight noises in the area, the scent of the air, and the sensations as you take each breath, rather than on your current feelings and thoughts.
- Practice deep breathing: Slowly and thoroughly inhale through the nose while maintaining a comfortable posture with your shoulders. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth as you keep a relaxed jaw. Keep repeating the breathing practice for a few minutes or until you feel better.
Tip 3: Create a realistic revision plan
A revision plan can go a long way; not only does it help with planning ways to study effectively, but it also helps students feel more certain that they will be prepared when it comes to the actual exam day. The revision plan does not have to be overly extensive and detailed – simply having a plan and a concept of how to study for the upcoming examinations is more than enough. As they plan and determine which subjects they believe require further practice, it can assist them in recognising which subjects to prioritise ideally.
Should you be unable to help your child with their school work, such as English, you can always encourage them to seek assistance from their school teacher, English tutor, or classmates.
Tip 4: Let them express themselves
As the adage goes, ‘life comes at us in waves; it is not always easy. Giving your child a listening ear allows them to vent their frustrations. It helps your child to communicate their problems without fear of being judged. This conveys to them that you are here to listen to their difficulties. However, it is best to remember that it is just as vital to listen as it is to offer suggestions. This way, it shows your willingness to help your child and lets them know that you are always ready to extend a helping hand should they require assistance.
Furthermore, talking to your child is the best way to discover the root of their stress and anxiety. It is also an excellent way to let them know that being anxious and nervous is a natural response to exams’ unpredictability; the key is to manage it.
Tip 5: Rest, rest, and rest again
Constant learning, practising, and memorising are expected during the exam period, which can, unfortunately, extend to many late nights. If anything, insufficient sleep and rest disrupt one’s capacity to recall information and maintain good concentration – both undesirable qualities during this last stretch of preparing for the exams. Hence, advising your child to get some much-needed slumber so that they can recharge is an excellent way to keep them energised when it comes to facing a new day.
Conclusion
Pre-exam jitters, while bothersome, are a valid emotion that most students tend to face. However, it is best to remember that staying calm is key to being able to focus and ace the exams. While these tips are beneficial to students, parents can also utilise these strategies to efficiently and effectively manage their child’s stress levels while dealing with theirs.
Should you require further help, consider registering your child for 1 to 1 home tuition in Singapore! At Tuition Family Singapore, we pride ourselves on providing online and private tuition in support of your child receiving only the highest quality education. Contact us today for more information.
