Science of Parenting: Role of parents in reducing exam stress

There is no doubt that exams are a serious thing and need to be handled seriously as well. So, adherence to discipline is a must. But most of the times parents tend to go overboard with the routine. They make such stringent rules that the kids feel literally tied down. Remember the kid also needs some relaxation and the persistent talk of studies will make the kid feel unduly pressurised as they grow to believe that there is no respite from this routine. They inevitably feel stressed out despite focusing enough on their lessons. To reduce stress, the parents can ensure that there is a family hour in the house where the kid can join all the members and have a good time listening to music or taking a walk or may be plain chatting about the day. 

After each day’s exams allow your son or daughter to recount to you their daily story. Do not review in detail with them any errors or omissions in the paper. Such a process achieves absolutely nothing, other than to increase the students’ stress levels. Simply allow them the time and space to tell their story and move on to the next paper. 

It can be helpful to your son or daughter to review the paper immediately ahead. Simple questions such as, ‘What is up next? Are there sections you can easily score in? Are there predictable questions?’ can be useful in helping your student devise a study schedule for the time available before the next exam.