How stressful are school exams? Well, let’s put it this way. Most of us, as adults, still have occasional dreams where we are back at school about to take a test that we haven’t studied for.
At a formative time in our lives, exams are one of the things that make us most nervous - and that foreboding sticks with us. So while you might not remember exam stress being as bad as it was, your kid isn’t kidding when they show signs of dreading upcoming tests and papers. This is especially true for international students who are studying to get into a school away from home, whether that is online or within their own environment. If you have a child who wants to study abroad in countries such as the United Kingdom, then you may want to look at some specific courses they can take. For example, you may want to do some research and see International A Level History courses and others like it for more information.
As parents, the last thing we want is for our kids to be dealing with stress of this kind. Childhood is supposed to be carefree, and while exams are the least bad way of grading educational attainment, they’re still a blot on the horizon for the kids who are taking them. You won’t be able to stop your kids worrying about the exams they have to do. You can, however, do them some favors when it comes to managing the stress and feeling more calm when the test paper is put in front of them.
Make sure they eat while they study
Particularly for older kids, there is a cliche about how studying for a test goes. They sit with the books open in front of them, desperately trying to take anything in, and moving only to grab some chips and soda. You can help your kid out by having to hand a stock of easy snacks for kids. They’re likely to get hungry between meals, and not eating (or eating the wrong things) won’t help them retain anything from their study sessions. This is particularly important if your kid has ADHD; it’s common for kids and adults with the condition to ignore hunger impulses in periods of hyperfocus.
Encourage them to take time out
A youngster who is doing their best to ace a test will often take their meals in their room, reluctant to take even a moment away from the books. But this is entirely counterproductive. It is essential to take breaks while studying; that’s how your brain processes the information it has taken in and files it away. At mealtimes, and other times too, it is important for your kid to step away from the books and think about something else, even get outside for a little while. “Cramming” isn’t just stressful and anxiety-inducing - it literally doesn’t work.
Ban energy drinks
Energy drinks are of dubious worth when they are used by sports professionals; there are more than a few people who argue that they can have a negative effect long-term. For kids - again, mostly older kids - who are trying to study, the negative effects aren’t only in the long term. Energy drinks are sugary and highly caffeinated, both of which make them extremely detrimental to concentration. They’ll also ensure that your child has a worse night’s sleep, and proper sleep is fundamental to cognitive function. Bananas, which contain potassium, are excellent sources of slow-burning energy, and exactly what studying kids need.
Being there to listen to your child’s concerns, acknowledging that exam time is never easy, and reassuring them that things will be fine so long as they try their best and follow the above tips, are the best ways to help them at exam time.
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