It is exam time again. Parents like it when they see their child with his books. They often pat him saying this way you’ll surely score 90% and leave the room without realizing their words have added to their child’s stress. Exam is a time when children need the love and support of parents even more. Check out if your are extending to your child the support he needs.

Set realistic expectations: Motivate but never pressurize the child. Set targets according to the child’s abilities and not as per your wishes. High expectations will constantly make your child feel stressed and remind him that he is not performing upto the mark.

Create a happy and calm atmosphere: Don’t create hype during exams. Reduce T.V. hours, cut down outings, socialize less but don’t stop your child from enjoying life altogether. Let him spend leisure time, meeting friends or playing, to refresh himself.

Be a source of confidence: Count with your child his achievements, talk about his failures and how he overcame them, appreciate his talents, remind him of all his qualities and tell him you are proud of him.

Inspire to win, without inducing fear of failure: Guide your child that marks don’t guarantee success, it is the lifeskills like confidence, problem solving, positive attitude that help a person
to attain success. So exams is not the end but a means to test and develop all these skills.

Express unconditional love: Children take stress from the fact that if they don’t score well, their parents will be disappointed. Assure your child that your love and respect for him will not be affected by the marks he scores. This assurance will motivate him to perform his best, without any guilt or worries holding him back.