26/05/2024
As we come into exam season:
6 Tips to Help Your Teen Cope with Exam Stress:
Normalise it!
Remember exam stress is normal. Anxiety is our body’s natural response to events out of our control. Encourage calm thoughts to balance the anxiety: we all experience anxiety at times, in fact that rush of adrenaline may well help them focus during the first part of the exam.
Have a plan!
Get them to write up a to do list each day. Break revision down into small manageable chunks – with breaks in between them - and tick off each task as they go. Try to get them actively learning and be creative in their revision. Switch off the phone when studying, save it for breaks.
Feed, water and rest!
Be an Irish Mammy! Try to be there to feed them, and to make sure they take breaks. Taking time out to eat can give you time to connect with them. Try to make sure they get some physical exercise every day, even just jumping on the trampoline. Also try not to let them study late into the night.
Breathe!
Help your teen identify stress-busting strategies that work for them. This could be a mindfulness app, or just taking 10 slow deep breaths. Try to get them to practice their breathing every day, so they can use this technique before each exam.
Remember their Strengths!
This group have been through so much over the past few years, they have survived a pandemic! Remind them that they are stronger and more capable than they would have believed. Let them know you believe they can do this.
Remember they have more choices on exam papers again this year. Remind them of the work they have put in over the past two years.
Perspective!
One the exam is over it is out of their control, try to get them to put it behind them. Try not to compare to their friends!
Although this seems like the most important thing in the world right now, an exam does not dictate whether they will be a success or failure. All exams measure is how well you can present the material asked for on the day - nothing more, nothing less.
If all comes to all, no harm in telling them granny has lit a candle! Most importantly, remind them that you love and believe in them no matter what their performance is.
