‘Exam anxiety among kids worries parents equally’ - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Exam anxiety among kids worries parents equally’

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByArshdeep Arshi, Chandigarh
Feb 11, 2018 03:23 PM IST

In same boat: Counsellors advise parents to take leave from work to spend time with kids.

It is that time of the year when both students and parents start to take the exam pressure. “How can I create a stress-free environment for my child? How can I take care of my child when he has stopped eating due to exam stress? How can I prepare a timetable for my kid?” These are some of the main questions parents are regularly asking counsellors in schools of Chandigarh.

While not losing focus from their studies, children also need relaxing activities.(iStock photo)
While not losing focus from their studies, children also need relaxing activities.(iStock photo)

How to beat stress

Tell the child that it is okay to be imperfect. Kids need to be kids

Tell the child to work hard but also embrace her/his mistakes

Children need relaxing activities

Self care and positive thinking are key points to avoid anxiety

Let the child express her/his anxiety and help her/him solve the problems

Give examples to children so that they ‘never give up’

The counsellors say that parents are worried than their wards when they see their child stressed or when they wish their child to score well in examination. Counsellors say that parents come to them with their wards asking for solutions to exam anxiety and on how to get their child to study well.

Discover the thrill of cricket like never before, exclusively on HT. Explore now!

Competition adds to stress

Geetanjali Chauhan, whose son is studying in Class 12 at St John’s High School, Sector 26, said, “Parents are equally stressed out when they see their children are worried about exams. The anxiety is not only due to examinations but other adolescent issues too.”

Geetanjali added, “My son is always worried thinking about what is going to happen next. This age’s competition has added a lot to the tension. It is at its peak now. When I see the stress students are taking due to this competition, I feel I should not push my younger son into it.”

Another parent, Vandana, whose daughter is studying in Class 12 at The British School, Sector 44, said, “My daughter is stressed out because of peer pressure. However, I do not create any more tension for her because it worries the child.”

‘Child care leave’ suggested

Sunita Kapoor, senior counsellor, in a Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 40, said, “Parents come to me with their children.

Study tips

Organise your study space

Use flow charts and diagrams

Practice sample papers

Take regular breaks

Maintain separate notebooks for each subject

Revise well 

These are mainly the children who are weak in studies, and parents are worried because of this. During examination time, these kids stop eating as it becomes anxious for them.” She added, “I help parents preparing a diet chart for the students and tell them to care about the children by not adding any more stress.”

She even said that at times she had to tell a few parents that they should take ‘child care leave’ from work and spend time with their children. Aviraj, a student of Class 12 (non-med), at St Xavier’s Senior Secondary School, Sector 44, said, “I don’t take much tension about exams. The mind has to be relaxed to score well.”

When asked about what he does to relax his mind, he said, “I watch TV, play video games, and hang out with my friends. Though, nowadays, my parents don’t let me hang out because the exams are nearing.”

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On