Helping students with exam stress

With the end of the school year fast approaching, many parents are noticing an increase in stress being experienced by students as they prepare for end of year assessments.

Our Child, Youth and Family Services Team Leader, Kirstie Edwards, said there are many ways we can help our students deal with the increased pressure that comes with study and exams.

"Stress isn't necessarily a bad thing – adrenalin can actually help kids stay on track, study longer and finish their tasks," Kirstie says. "The problems arise when it takes over and your teenager starts to feel overwhelmed, even isolated."

In a perfect world, your teenager will have organised their study and revision into manageable chunks throughout the year, balancing work with social activities, exercise and plenty of sleep.

But in the real world, most students have some level of pre-exam anxiety.

According to Kirstie, the best thing parents can do as exams approach is to provide support with the basics, restrain the desire to jump in and fix everything, and encourage their child to see the "big picture".

“By supporting your student with a good study environment, access to a balanced diet, physical and social outlets, and buckets of unconditional love and emotional support, you’re giving your child the best foundation for dealing with exam time,” she said.

Exam time:

• Stress is a normal part of life and can aid performance.
• Offer your child good nutrition options at meal times.
• Encourage enough sleep.
• Physical and social activity are important pressure valves for hard-working kids.
• Exams are the first of many deadlines your child will need to manage. Don't rob them of developing that crucial skill by jumping in and solving everything.

If you would like some help in assisting your child in the lead up to exams, contact our Child Youth and Family team today.