Page 72 - Choice Magazine - Parents Edition

KEEP IN TOUCH:
PREPARING FOR

EXAMS

Managing

exam stress

It is normal for any young person to feel a bit worried about their exams, these feelings are
enhanced if they feel they are being put under extra pressure from their school and / or family
members. As a parent / carer you will feel a certain amount of added pressure during this
exam period as it is natural for you to want your son / daughter to succeed in their exams.
Exam stress may lead your son / daughter to feel anxious or depressed and this might affect
their sleeping or eating habits. If you recognise any of these signs, or are worried that exam
pressure is taking over their life, there are things you can do to support them:
> Ensure you son / daughter knows that if > Your son / daughter may wish to find a
they are struggling with anything that they study group or start their own with a few
should speak to any of their trusted friends friends. Working through problems with other
/ family. Just knowing there are people out students can be a nice way to keep their
there willing to provide them with the help social life going, boost their morale as well as
and support they need along with some undertaking revision activity.
encouragement and reassurance can
make all the difference. They shouldn’t feel > Make sure they stay positive and continue
they need to go through this alone and to be kind to themselves. Keep reminding
keeping any problems to themselves could them of all of the great things they have
potentially make things worse in the long run. achieved so far and how proud you are of

> Ask your son / daughter to think about any these achievements. If needed, sit together
and write a list of all the things they have
additional practical support they may need. achieved, their strengths and all of the things
Ask them to be honest with themselves other people value about them too.
about needing to ask for extra help. Suggest
that they may wish to talk through any of
their concerns with their teacher/tutor who Never forget that, it is okay for them
will be sure to let them know what additional • To make mistakes
support the school can offer. Teachers / • To have bad days
tutors will have spoken to lots of students • To be less than perfect
before who are going through similar things
and they are likely to know all the helpful • To do what’s best for them
resources or services which are available • To ask for help
to support them.

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