Exam season is upon us again and it can be as tense a time for us parents as it is for our children. Whether it’s SATs, GCSEs or A levels, the pressure and stress can be unreal and, if not under control, your child may not be in peak condition to sit the tests, which could affect their performance.
Is there anything we can do as parents to help our children keep calm, manage their exam nerves, stay focused and give their best? I think there is. Here’s my top tips:
Tips to Manage Exam Nerves
Here are five parent-approved strategies to teach your child to manage nerves and stress before exams.
1. Breathe
Sounds simple, but it works wonders. Teach your child the 4-7-8 breathing trick: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8. It’s a quick way to calm the body and quieten the mind, especially right before exams.
2. Talk About It
Encourage your child to talk to you about the one thing they are worried about. Sometimes just saying, ‘I’m nervous about forgetting everything’ helps take the power out of the fear. Let them know nerves are normal.
3. Do Something Relaxing Before The Exam
Sometimes having some downtime can help. It’s important to take downtime during revision as you don’t want them to go into an exam all tense. Perhaps they can play some music or sit quietly in a room beforehand.
4. Fuel The Brain And Body
A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast make a massive difference. Slow-releasing carbs like porridge or wholemeal toast help keep energy levels steady. And don’t forget water. Hydration helps with focus.
5. Visualise Success
Get your child to imagine walking into the exam room calm and confident, answering questions with ease and leaving with a smile. A few minutes of positive visualisation can seriously boost their mindset.
The most important thing is that parents are there to support them, to listen, to remind them that exams are just one part of life and they don’t define who they are. They just need to try their best.
I wish you and them the best of luck if you are currently going through exam season.
More Parenting Resources to Help Children with Studying & Exams
Mindset for Children Sitting Exams
Read 5 Tips for Helping Children to Revise.
Helping Children To Improve Grades
Need more Parenting Help & Advice?
If your child is really struggling with exam nerves or stress and could do with some extra help, find out more about how Life Coaching for Children can help them. If you’d like to get in touch, just visit the contact us page.
