You taught your child all the topics for the examinations. Now how do you teach her to cope with the stress that comes long? Examinations can be a stressful time for your child. Find out how you can help your child and yourself cope.
Prepare Your Child
After weeks of studying, the day before the exam is the time for mental preparation. Help your child get ready by encouraging them to get their stationery in order. Going to bed early helps your child get the rest he needs. On the morning of the exam, ensure that your child has a proper breakfast, and go through a checklist to make sure they have everything they need. Motivate him by telling him that you know that he has put in a lot of effort to prepare for the exam and that you know he will do his best.
Have Realistic Expectations
Every child progresses differently. Avoid comparisons and do not make him feel like a failure when he does not do well. This will lower self-esteem and self-worth which may in turn make the child less eager to learn and less motivated to do his best. Instead, praise the child for his efforts and discuss how to improve performance.
Take Incremental Steps
Teach your child to set goals that can be achieved by taking small steps. This helps the child to adjust his own expectations and work consistently towards a goal instead of expecting to achieve it overnight. For instance, if your child is aiming for an A in Science where he has previously been scoring Cs, it’s unrealistic to expect an A in the very next examination.
Inculcate Discipline
There are many distractions in the home that may take the child’s attention away from his books. Set a study timetable and create an environment conducive for studying with proper seating, lighting and remove distractions such as the TV, computer games or other children playing nearby. This will enable the child to give his full attention to his studies.
Teach Positive Thinking
It is important to teach children to be positive and optimistic when faced with difficulties. This helps to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence, recover from setbacks and failures, and continue to be motivated to work hard. After each paper, allow your child to express any concerns about his performance and then encourage them to let go and focus on the next exam.
This article is contributed by Health Promotion Board. For more information, visit www.hpb.gov.sg
