Exams can be a stressful time for both children and their immediate family. There’s pressure to perform well, and this may lead to feelings of anxiousness and stress. Parents can offer support during exams, especially when it comes to helping your children manage their stress and anxiety in such a way, that helps them to achieve their goals.
Here are some ideas:
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Create a supportive and stress-free environment – Designate a quiet space within your home where your children can study without interruption. Design the space with their input and remove any distractions from the area which might cause them to lose focus.
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Encourage breaks – Frequent breaks are important during exams, as it will help avoid fatigue and burnout. Encourage a mental/physical break of at least 10 minutes or so, every 20 to 30 minutes.
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Help develop a revision plan – Create a revision plan before exams start to help them to stay organised and on track. Set realistic goals and divide the schedule into manageable chunks.
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Balanced meals - It is important for children to eat a healthy diet during exam season. This will help them to stay energised and focused.
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Talk to your child about their feelings - it is important to let your child know that it is okay to feel stressed or anxious about their exams. Encourage them to talk to you about how they are feeling and offer your support.
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Practice relaxation techniques - There are a few relaxation techniques that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Explore online tutorials with your children, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
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Encourage activity/motion – movement in any shape or form is a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Consider taking a walk as a family, even if it is just a short walk. This way, everyone can participate, and it is also an opportunity to bond as a family.
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Encourage sleep - Sleep is essential for good memory consolidation and cognitive function. Create a sleep schedule with your children, as a consistent routine is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
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Positive affirmations/encouragement – Words of encouragement daily form parents or loved-ones can help children stay positive and motivated during exam season.
If you are concerned about your child's stress or anxiety levels, talk to their school or your doctor for possible solutions, but do so with your child’s permission, as it is important that they are included in such discussions.
If you're interested in learning more about Nelson Mandela University, explore our website further to learn more about our institution. We offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and we're committed to helping our students succeed.
Good luck to all learners with your final exams!
