Handling Exam Stress: Tips for Parents

We want our wards to top the exams and yet, we are afraid that we might just be pushing our children
too much. On one hand, we get starry-eyed when we hear stories about IIT JEE toppers and IITians
getting over-a-crore salary offers; and on the other hand, we get terrified when we hear that those who
fail board exams or even IITians commit suicide because they just couldn’t fight off the academic
pressure.
Here are some tips for parents whose students are preparing for board exams or entrance exams like

JEE Main and Advanced or AIPMT:

•Use Positive Encouragement Techniques: It’s true that the number of distractors is increasing day-by-day. We need to be vigilant that the kids do not waste too much of their time on computers, mobiles, TV and talking to friends but this does not mean that our homes should

turn into a war zone. Be gentle, appreciative, understanding, encouraging and above all, be

patient. How you handle stress will be a decisive factor in how your children handle stress too.

• Study Breaks are Normal & Necessary: All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a dull
girl. So, if your child has studied for 1 hour and is talking to family or friends or playing a round

of badminton for 15 minutes, it is good and does not need snubbing. In fact, bond with your kids

during this time and make it fun for them. Rama Sharma, Public Relation Officer of CBSE, shares,

“I am a board insider. When both of my daughters were appearing for their board exams, I

made sure that I never push them to perform more than what they are capable of. In fact, I used

to take them for ice cream breaks and burger breaks a day before the exam to keep the

pressure off them.”

• High Expectations may Distance Your Kid from You: It is very unfortunate that many parents do
not realise that when they are setting too high goals for their children, they are not encouraging

or motivating their children. They are fuelling stress and hypertension in them. These

unreasonable and unrealistic expectations from parents push today’s youth to the wrong path.

• Talk to your kids – about exams and other topics too:  Sit down with your kids. Listen carefully
to what they say. Invite them to discuss whatever they want with you – be it about their studies

and exams, or other topics. It will help you gauge the right ways to encourage them and guide

them.

• Success & Failures are never everlasting: While scoring good marks in board exams and
cracking entrance exams can put you at a leading position temporarily, this success is going to

help you just one step of life. Similarly, failure in exams need not be everlasting. Help your kid

forget it, get over it, and do better next time. Do not use ‘failure’ as a tool for taunting your kid.