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Coping with Exams
Exam stress can be very real no matter how people approach it. Below are some ways you can help your child manage their stress and prepare well for their coming examinations.

• Minimise the clutter around workspaces. For each study period, plan what you want to cover. Use mind maps and other aids to assist memory and organise thoughts. Take regular five-minute breaks to refresh. List issues you are unsure about and ask for help at school
   
• Come up with a healthy relaxation habit that recharges and replenishes his or her batteries but importantly allows them to take a break from the pressure and grind of work.  It’s never too late to encourage your young person to exercise each day, relax to music or even practise meditation and mindfulness to clear their mind of mental clutter
   
• Make sure your young person gets 30 minutes of exercise each day, eats regular healthy meals and takes care of their sleep.  Take 10 minutes time out before bed to process the day and put thoughts aside. Drink warm mild or chamomile tea to help relaxation. Play gentle, slow music to slow your heart beat down before bed.
   
• Steer clear of stimulants, cigarettes, energy drinks,  alcohol, NO- DOZ drugs etc   Reinforce to your young person that these short-term fixes inevitably lead to poor performance in the longer term.
   
•  Keep your young person connected to the family at this stage by expecting them to join you for family meals, help out at home and not to spend all their time in their bedrooms.  Meal times can be therapeutic as they provide the opportunity for the student to talk.
   
•   The approach that often works from parents is the “sun will rise tomorrow” approach.  As a parent take this approach. Kids of all ages take their cues from their parents, particularly so when they are under stress
   
• Also encourage your young person to organise what they need the night before, to focus on relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to deal with the butterflies.  Limiting the anxious talk  from friends may be helpful too.
• The pressure to succeed that many young people place on themselves is often high, so just be realistic with your own expectations
   
• Finally,  hearing “I love you no matter what…” should be the last words that your young people hears from you before he or she heads off to their exams.

Extract from Michael Grose, “Parenting Ideas”

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