Exam Stress
My daughter is in her last learning week at High school!
WOW that’s gone fast, next week she and many other students in Scotland will be on study leave preparing for their exams.
Exam time is stressful, not just for students but for parents as well. I’ve had several years of being a parent with students at exam age. I remember when my eldest child started exams and studying for exams, I was in a state of shock and told as many people that would listen, “I didn’t sign up for this when I became a Mother! I’ve got years of this ahead of me! HELP!”
I’ve learn’t a lot over the last few years, some I’ve learn’t through my own study, some I’ve learn’t online, BBC Bite Size is and EXCELLENT website! I’ve also learn’t a lot from my children.
Exam Time is Stressful for students and as parents there are signs that we should watch out for that our children may not be coping. Blind panic can sometimes set in and can result in inactivity but there is a lot parents can do to support so, hopefully, this won’t be the case.
What to look out for;
Mood swings
Out bursts
Poor sleep
Change in appetite
Change in behaviour
You might say “Well this is just my teenager in general.” and I’m not disagreeing but keep a closer eye on your child during exam time. Think about how you will react and respond.
Remain positive and hopeful
Reassure and reinforce effort NOT perfection
Reinforce their BEST in effort and in results
Take the time to chat with your child and ask questions about what works for them and how you can support at this time. How do they like to study? Do they like background noise or do they want you to support them by making sure the house is as quiet as possible? Do they want you to help them wake up early in the morning so they can study first thing in the day? or Do they want to stay up late at night when the house is silent and then sleep until lunch time?
REMEMBER just because you liked to study in a certain way or your other children liked to study in a certain way does NOT mean this child wants to study the same way.
BE AVAILABLE! Encourage communication by being available and listening. Approach any problems your child has seriously, even if it sounds silly to you! Put your child in the drivers seat, studies show that without a sense of control your child will not be motivated to study. Ask questions - “Is there anything I can do for you?”, “What would you like to happen now?”
Most importantly, just be there for your child during this time, be flexible during exam time and do your best to STAY CALM.
For more information on how to support your child during the exam period have a look at the page ‘Supporting Students with Exam Stress’.
