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Examinations How to Deal with It!

Parents of young children are very much involved in their children's day to day activities. Neo-parents take active interest in the studies especially if the child is in any class from 1 to 8. However, with examinations around the corner, they find that either the child is not bothered as he does not know how to handle this or the child is too much worried. On the either extreme, it can often be seen that the parents become as much stressed as the child. They may be anxious and worried about numerous things. They might think that their child is not adequately prepared, doesn't have enough time, or is preoccupied and such like.

Stress is not welcome and definitely not required at this crucial time. Days inching closer to the examinations and parents fussing around them are sure to leave the child overwhelmed. Stress and worry takes a toll on the health and there begins an endless loop.

Education

There are ways you can help your child in mastering the 'Demon' of examinations without stressing them and yourself. Proper planning, adherence to plans, structured and systematic study can help mitigate stress.

Heart to Heart: If the child seems to be anxious, nervous or fidgety, help them by having a frank discussion. A good open chat will do wonders for the mental as well as physical wellbeing. It will assure the child and get worries out of his system so that he can concentrate better.

Compare No More: One of the major reasons behind a child feeling stressed is comparison with other children. Don't indulge in discussion with other parents on how much they have completed the syllabus and the amounts of revision they are completing. Each one has their own way of studying. Help your child in devising a best strategy for them.

Set Up A Structured Study Pattern: Don't set up for disappointment by putting up unrealistic goals such as revising one chapter of each subject every day or doing twelve topics in a day. Sit down with your child to plan and schedule the time table and study material reasonably.

Healthy Habits: Giving a well-balanced diet and reminding the child to remain hydrated will keep the energy levels optimum. Ensure enough leafy greens, fruits and nuts during the day to work up the metabolism. Regular exercise is the quickest way to de-stress.

Take a Break: Psychologists say that the human brain can work at optimum level for a maximum period of 30 to 45 minutes at a stretch, any more than that, it becomes fuzzy and unresponsive leading to only superficial actions. For deep study, encourage the child to take a break of 5 to 10 minutes after every 45 minutes of study. Ask them to simply get up, take a short walk, stretch or even listen to some music. It will be re-energising.

Last but not the Least: Everyone says exams are not everything. Try to help your child see and keep the exams in perspective. They are not the end. Keep realistic expectations from the child and understand that one exam cannot define the beautiful person or an artist or a musician in your child.

Tutors as Support System: Often a child spends a lot of time studying and interacting with their tutors. The tutors help the child assess his abilities and the areas they need to work on. This will help the child put away stress as he will understand about his abilities and believe in his capacity to achieve.

Don't forget to get support.