10 ways to make exams less stressful for kids
Contributor: Priya Narayan, Features Lifestyle Writer
Warm New Year wishes to all the vibrant people reading this article. The New Year ushers lot of excitement and happiness along with a long list of New Year goals/ resolutions. A goal that is overlooked by most of us, especially parents of school/college going children is effectively managing stress during exam time.
No matter in which grade our child is studying, the exam time usually gives jitters to parents and children equally. The pressure to stay ahead in the competition and attain the ordinal position of first, second etc. is the root cause of all the so-called “exam stress”. So this New Year let us all unitedly resolve to eliminate the phrase “exam stress” from our dictionary.
1. Set realistic expectations: First and foremost we as parents need to be realistic and keep no expectations from our children; I know, it’s easier said than done. Nevertheless, our vibrations get passed on to our children, hence the calmer and positive we are, the more confident will our child be.
2. Maximum nutrition: Always ensure optimum nutrition, regular exercise, meditation and adequate sleep for healthy mind and body. These aspects play an important role in concentration and focus of the child.
3. Be organized & punctual: Always be well organized and punctual in matters related to school and other activities. A year-long disciplined and dedicated approach will not only help the child to cope up with the ever mounting studies but also the parents in streamlining their household chores.
4. Complete your tasks: Diligently complete your class work and homework daily so that things don’t get piled up towards the end. This, in turn, enables the child to easily recall and retell the same during writing exams.
5. Plan in advance: Maintain a daily planner to ensure optimal usage of your wake up time. Plan in your schedule sports, play time, social outing and recreational activities so that the body and mind get refreshed periodically. This technique is called mind mapping and adults too can easily plan and execute their day optimally.
6. Early mornings are best: Preferably fix an early morning time to study as it has been time and again proven that brain waves at that hour are more serene and energetic thereby absorbing the contents quickly and easily. However, this can be changed according to the child’s preferences.
7. 3R Study Method: Adapt the 3R method to study – read, revise and re-write. This sequence helps in understanding the concepts, learning them and writing in a neat handwriting with reasonable speed. This method ensures understanding the concept instead of rote learning.
8. Make studies innovative: For tough subjects, you can be innovative and design creative techniques like incorporating music, codes, stories etc. to generate interest and to make it easy. Group study also can be challenging and interesting.
9. Practice affirmations: Last but not the least, daily practising of positive affirmations will bring in the shift from “ I can’t” to “I can”. This attitude in life will help pass any examination with flying colours. As Thomas Edison has rightly said, “There is no substitute for hard work”.
10. Play and exercise: Daily 30-60 minutes of free play and exercise is a must for all age groups. It could be anything like cycling, running, playing in the park or any favourite sport like football or cricket. This ensures proper blood circulation and adds a dose of freshness to their body and mind.
Collaborate with us:
Write to us at contact@tanyamunshi.com if you’d like to get featured or collaborate with us at The Lifestyle Portal.
