How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exam Day

Exams are the most non-liked event of student life. Every student whether studying in kindergarten or University have to appear for an exam. It is part and parcel of student life. Exams create huge pressure on the performance of students. Entrance exams for admission to a specific course are also the most stressful things. In this blog, we will share some tips on how can you help your child prepare for exam day.

Fear of Exams in Students

Before you can help your child prepare for their exam day, it is important to understand the feat of exams in children. Fear of examination is mainly divided into two categories i.e. Physical and Psychological. The following table mentions the impact both physical and psychological fear causes:

Physical	Psychological
Increase Heartbeat Sweating Mild FewerVomiting	Low Confidence and Anxiety Nervousness Sleepless nights before the exam

What is Exams Anxiety?

Exam anxiety or Test anxiety is a psychological condition in which a person feels extreme stress before after and during exams. The degree of experience varies from person to person and it depends upon both internal and external factors. This anxiety affects not only the preparation phase but also the exam performance. Its symptoms can vary from mild to severe range. 

According to the research of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, symptoms of exam anxiety can be physical, behavioural, cognitive and emotional.  

Symptom	Impact
Physical	Sweating, Nausea, Fast Heartbeat, Dry Mouth, Fainting, Shaking
Behavioural	Skipping School, Skipping Lecture, Use of addictive medicine or drug.
Cognitive	Loss of Concentration, Degrade in Memory Power
Emotional	Low Confidence, Anger, Hatred, Hopelessness, Suicidal Tendency, Like Loneliness,

Tips to Overcome Test Anxiety

Helping them deal with their anxiety is one of the best ways you can help your child prepare for exam day. There are the following simple and practical ways mentioned below to deal with exam anxiety:

• Meditation 
• Yoga
• Light Music
• Movie
• Shopping
• Meeting with Friends
• Chocolate 
• Light Workouts
• Dance
• Poetry 

What are the Causes of Exam Fear

Exam fear is the result of different causes. It can be different for different students. There can be one single reason or multiple reasons for exam fear. It depends upon the type or level of exam for different students. The following mentioned reasons generally cause fear in student mind:

Incomplete Preparation

Incomplete syllabus preparation before exam day is the most common cause of fear among students in exams. Poor time management leads to incomplete preparation of the syllabus.

Less Revision Cycle

Revision is the most crucial part of the preparation for any examination. Students need to revise their syllabus multiple times to perform better. Less revision cycle also causes stress among students. Fear of losing question develop in case of insufficient revision.

Previous Result Pressure

In the case of options of multiple attempts, the unfavourable result of previous attempts always creates a psychological fear in the mind of students which affects their performance.

Comparison with Fellow Students

Comparisons are always unjustified among students because of different learning abilities, approaches and situations. Comparison with fellow students or relatives or friends put extra pressure on students. 

Missing Important Documents

The last hour’s hurry to arrange required documents also causes stress. It is always advisable that students finish all document arrangements the day before an exam to avoid any kind of panic situation.

Family and Freinds Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations from family and friends mount huge pressure on the mind which directly or indirectly affects both the physical and mental health of the student and impacts the performance. 

How to Help Your Child Prepare For Exam Day

Following are the tips for parents to guide their children on their exam day:

Proper Sleep

A disturbance less quality 7-8 hrs sleep is a must for the students on the night before exams. Proper sleep helps the student to concentrate better and it enhances their thinking ability and overall productivity. 

Yoga and Meditation 

Yoga and Meditation both can help in the overall development of human beings. It keeps the student’s nerves calm at the exam centre. 

Light Healthy Breakfast

Parents should encourage and serve light and healthy breakfast for their children on exam day. It will not only lift their mood but also negate any chance of 

Double Check Belongings Before Leaving 

Students should be advised to double crosscheck all their belongings like a pen, pencil, eraser, sharpener, admit card and identity card before leaving for the exam centre. This is one of the most important issues that students face on exam day.

Arrive before Time

Students must leave home early so that they can reach the examination centre on or before time. It is necessary to avoid the unwanted stress to miss the exam because of late entry.

Time Management Techniques

Time management during the examination plays much crucial role in the result. Parents need to advise children regarding how to utilise time while attempting questions. Good time management technique always leads to better results.

Thus, helping your child prepare for exam day is not just academics. It involves understanding their fears and gradually steering them towards good habits. By managing expectations and having a strong relationship with your child, you can help them go a long way.