Coping with Exam Stress

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 As the final exams get closer, it's very important to help our kids and students handle any stress or anxiety that comes up.

We can achieve this by applying these three strategies:

  1. Make sleep a priority. Although it might seem a bit controversial for teenagers, we should still motivate them to get enough sleep and rest. We can explain to them how important it is for their memory. When they get a good night's sleep, they'll feel refreshed the next day and be able to concentrate and study better.
  2. Prepare in advance. It's a great idea to motivate your students or kids to create a plan and divide their tasks throughout the week. You can provide them with a planner or a visual tool where they can note down the exam dates and create a daily schedule, specifying the time they'll dedicate to achieving their goals. While it's important for them to take charge and feel independent in organizing their study time, as a teacher or caregiver, you can always offer support by ensuring their goals are reasonable and doable.
  3. Encourage them to ask for help when needed. It's really important to understand and acknowledge any worries or fears your child may have. Take a moment to ask them what's bothering them and help them figure out ways to cope. You can suggest things like studying with a friend, asking for help from classmates or teachers, watching educational videos online, or finding useful resources.

Dealing with exam stress can be challenging, but as teachers or parents, we can play a crucial role in supporting our kids. 

By prioritizing their well-being and encouraging them to get enough sleep, plan ahead, and ask for help when needed, we can help them manage their stress and provide the necessary support they need to succeed. 

A little understanding and support can go a long way in helping our kids navigate through the pressures of exams.

Take home message:

It would be a nice idea to share with them your own experience as a student- not to compare- but to validate and normalize their feelings.

Always remember to speak to them with kindness, just as you would have appreciated someone speaking to you when you were in their situation.

Yours truly,

Dana

Kindness is not just a virtue, it's a way of life. 

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