The Indian education system is such that marks are given more weightage over the learning itself. While this puts a lot of pressure on the kids right since their primary school days, it is an undeniable fact that the pressure reaches a peak when the child has to write their board exams.
The reason for the same may be attributed to two factors. First of all, this is the only time when the child is judged on a national or international parameter and not by one that is set by their school. Thus, the concept of comparing the child with their friends, relatives or neighbours becomes more common. Secondly, good performance in board exams is important in order to choose the stream or career of one's choice.
As parents it is obvious that one would want their wards to score well so that they will have greater career options. However, the sad thing to note here is that often while pushing our kids to perform, we end up over pushing them and this puts a lot of undue pressure on their young minds, which in turn harms their performance.
To avoid such a thing from happening, it is important that we, as parents and elders, try to motivate our children in the right manner so that our kids are able to perform to the best of their abilities. Here is a list of twelve points that parents and family members of children writing their class 10th and 12th board exams should keep in mind.
1. Do Not Compare Your Kids To Others
Remember there will always be that one child who will be better than your child in academics. This does not mean that your child is any lesser. Make sure you make it clear to them; if they score lesser in a particular exam, it does not mean they are failures in life.
2. A Good Night’s Sleep
To be able to perform well, it is important that your child has a good night's sleep. Give them that. In case you feel that they are not sleeping well enough, you can give them some time to unwind before they sleep. This may be the time for a long hot bath or breathing exercises/yoga.
3. Treat Them For Their Achievements
If you find your child is performing well in mock tests or other preparatory tests, give them the credit they deserve. The treat may come in the form of gastronomical delights or some other activity they like to indulge in (of course it is your duty to make sure it does not take up too much of their productive study time).
4. Ensure A Balanced Diet
While it is your child's duty to put in effort and study well, as a parent you must ensure that they eat healthy and get their daily share of nutrients. A body that is not subjected to nutrients will break down under the immense pressure that the board exams will throw at them.
5. Make Lifestyle Changes
Set-up new rules. Things like no one in the house should watch TV during the time of the board exams or no one should play during these days inside the house. This will make your exam-stressed child feel much more relaxed about the impending exams and will drive them to perform better.
6. Have Realistic Expectations
Know where your child stands academically and expect the same from them. Do not end up raising the bar of expectations too high. This will not just make things tougher for your child but will also make it emotionally taxing for both of you.
7. Draw A Checklist Of Things They Need
Every morning before they set out for their board exams, make sure they have everything they need. From that exam board to the admit card and calculator, nothing should go missing. By taking this type of practical responsibilities off their shoulders, you will be making things easier for them.
8. Do Not Overhype The Exam
All of us know a number of people who have not performed well in their board exams but have been a success in life. No matter how important an exam is, it can never be as important as life itself. Make sure you make this point absolutely clear to your child.
9. Help Them With Academics
It is obviously not expected that you be well aware of what they are studying. However, surely there are some subjects that you know well. Try to offer your child guidance in those subjects. Even if your child claims to not need any help from you, this small gesture on your part will make them feel good.
10. Do Not Discuss Question Papers
It is important to realise that what is gone is gone. Once your child has written an exam discussing the question paper of that exam will get you nowhere. It will only add to their stress. Make sure you do nothing of that sort.
11. Listen To Them
Not discussing question papers does not mean that you will not talk to them at all. Try talking to them about all that they had felt or experienced in the exam hall. Rather, try to talk to them about whatever they want to talk about. Trust me, for a candidate appearing for the board exams, someone lending them a patient ear is the best thing.
12. Know Their Exam Schedule
You can even pin up the details in the fridge or some other place that is accessible to the entire family. That way you will be more involved in their daily life. Knowing that they have parents and other family members ready to hold their back can go a long way in solving their tensions.