Supporting Your Child Through Board Exam Anxiety? Here's How To Support Their Mental Well-Being

Board exams are a crucial milestone in a student’s academic journey, often accompanied by immense pressure and anxiety. As a parent, it is natural to want your child to succeed, but it’s equally important to ensure their mental well-being remains a priority. Here’s how you can support your child through this stressful period and help them navigate exam anxiety effectively.

1. Recognise the Signs of Anxiety

Children may not always express their feelings, so being observant is key. Signs of exam anxiety include:

• Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue
• Irritability or mood swings
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Lack of motivation or excessive worry

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to address them early and provide reassurance.

2. Foster a Positive Environment

Create an atmosphere at home that promotes confidence and motivation rather than stress and fear. Avoid comparing your child’s performance with others and focus on their individual progress. Praise their efforts rather than just results to reinforce a healthy mindset.

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3. Encourage Healthy Study Habits

Help your child develop a structured study plan that balances study sessions with breaks. Encourage them to use effective study techniques such as:

• Breaking study material into manageable chunks
• Using mind maps or flashcards
• Practising past exam papers
• Teaching concepts to someone else to reinforce understanding

4. Promote Relaxation and Stress-Relief Activities

Engaging in relaxation techniques can significantly reduce anxiety. Encourage activities such as:

• Deep breathing exercises or meditation
• Physical exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching
• Listening to calming music or engaging in hobbies
• Short breaks to refresh the mind

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5. Ensure Proper Nutrition and Sleep

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in brain function. Encourage your child to consume:

• Whole grains for sustained energy
• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins
• Nuts and seeds for brain health
• Hydration to maintain focus

Equally important is sleep. Ensure your child gets at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night, as sleep deprivation can impair concentration and memory retention.

6. Keep Communication Open

Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing their fears and concerns. Avoid being overly critical or dismissive of their stress. Instead, offer words of encouragement, remind them that exams do not define their worth, and assure them of your unconditional support.

7. Teach Time Management Skills

Help your child create a realistic study schedule that includes:

• Dedicated revision time
• Regular breaks to avoid burnout
• Leisure activities to maintain a balanced routine
• Teaching time management will reduce last-minute cramming and help them feel more in control.

Bottomline

Exams are temporary, but your child’s mental well-being is long-term. By offering emotional support, fostering a balanced lifestyle, and reassuring them that effort matters more than perfection, you can help your child navigate this phase with confidence and resilience. Remember, your support can make all the difference in ensuring their success—academically and emotionally.