HOW TO BEST SUPPORT YOUR KIDS WHILE PREPPING FOR EXAMS!
The two years of tenth and twelfth are quite crucial in a students life, and in a parents life as well. They can be easygoing and smooth, or stressful and difficult for everyone depending on how it is handled. Then comes the time to sit for the entrance exams. These can really stress the children out! But don’t stress, there is a way to avoid it. Plan ahead for this time of your life, and make things better for both yourself and your child! Below are some tips to ensure a productive and happy year ahead-
1. Understand your child’s way of working.
Every child is different, and works in a different way. She/He will only be able to maximise her/his potential if they use the method that works out the best for them. Some people work well in the morning, others at night. For some reading it aloud helps, while others prefer to make notes. Sit with your child and see what learning style works out the best for him/her. Be attentive.
2. Set realistic goals.
When making a schedule or a plan, set a goal that is achievable. Even if it is a slower pace, it is important to allow a child to succeed at sticking to a schedule rather than rushing through it. This will also boost the child’s morale, and encourage him/her to study further. Nobody knows the child better than himself/herself. Allow them to create a schedule, set goals, and then reflect on what went wrong, where exactly there was a breakdown of understanding, so that they can re-do that specific topic. The goals could be aligned to the school/college schedule, but should not be bound to them.
3. Work smart, not hard.
The quality of the work done is more important the quantity even in an exam. The schedule should not be too tightly packed where the child is physically sitting and studying, but the mental intake is zero. Working 5 hours a day with full concentration and energy is more productive than working 20 hours with little energy or concentration. Allow your child to take breaks, go out and enjoy too. When the mind is not stressed is the only time it can take in information. Working throughout the year, in this manner is smarter than cramming right before the exam. The pressure on the child is also lessened in this way.
4. Support your child in the best way.
This time is scary and puts a lot of pressure on your child. Support your child in the best way and in the way required to your child. If you are putting your child in a tuition or coaching class, talk to the teacher before hand and make sure it is a healthy learning environment. Ensure you make it clear with your child that there is no competition with others in the class. Keep encouraging your child and try to find innovative solutions to the problems they face academically. Most importantly, touch base and talk to your child on a regular basis.
5. Think about 5 years later.
As important as marks are in a child’s life, to open doors to better opportunities, it is not the end goal. Both the mental heath of you and your child is more important. Focus on developing and identifying skills that will help your child get opportunities. If you are stressed out, the child can sense it and it affects them as well. Every time you feel stressed or your child feels stressed, remind yourself or them, that these scores do not define them or you. There is much more to life. Aim at overall development.
