Inventure Academy, Bengaluru, India

Parent
  March usually is the dreaded exam season everywhere. This period of time involves a lot of stress and anxiety for both the parents & children. But, during this time, it is the role of the parents to remain calm and provide unlimited moral support to the kids. Displaying nervousness and anxiety can deter the confidence of the child, leading them to be distracted and apprehensive about their future. As parents you might be stressed and say unimportant things that could create blocks in your child’s mind. Resist any kind of urge to threaten or mention things like “your entire life depends on this, or you won’t get into a good college!”. Also, avoid mentioning any amounts of money or financial sacrifice you’ve had to go through to put them through school. A holistic child growth: Parents also need to understand that exams are not the end of the world; and a child should grow up in a holistic environment that involves stress-free activities like watching TV, playing games or spending time with friends and family. This would ensure their education is successful and they will grow into a mindful individual. As parents here are some tips that you should definitely follow:

1. Let them study the way they want to: As parents, you should always respect your child’s studying style. They might want to study alone for hours together or study with their peers. Sometimes when children are studying together, their understanding of subjects is much clearer as it involves questioning, revising and learning together that does not happen when they are alone.
2. Be a support system: Being supportive in any way will help the child study better. Help them prepare a studying schedule, or put up a timetable in the house so that everyone knows what exam is the following day. Sit with them, have conversations about things other than studies; this will ensure they’re relaxed and will be able to prepare better.
3. Let them be involved in activities: It is not good to be an old school parent who cut off internet & TV time during board exams. The child does not have the capacity to study the entire day. Taking periodical breaks in the middle is essential. It’s a positive distraction that ensures that after the break studying is faster and better.
4. Ensure balanced meals: It is the parent’s responsibility that during exam time they should feed the children a balanced meal of carbohydrates and proteins. So ensure they eat lots of vegetables, eggs, fish and fruits. Once in awhile junk food can be allowed, but not regularly.
5. Do not put any pressure: Parents should understand that exams and marks are important but not more than the health of their child. There are more things in life to cherish than this. Let your child breathe, and avoid putting any pressure on them by reminding them to study, comparing them with peers or giving them any advice.

Our in-house counsellor Sanaaz Tyagi says, “It’s an important time of the year and parents are all worked up over the upcoming exams. But, what's essentially important to keep in mind is that you stressing out is only going to further stress your already worried child. Stay calm and reassure your child that you believe in their capabilities. Also, provide them with reassurance and support that they need to overcome their apprehensions. What's most significant is to remember that academics are a part of life and not life itself. “ Lastly, as parents it is important that you are updated about anything important happening at your child’s school, be it events or informative workshops; you can start with reading newsletters, or checking the school/exam websites, and attend educational sessions that will lead to your child performing as per his/her capabilities.

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