How Can Parents Help Their Kids Prepare for Their Exams
All parents want the best for their children, especially when it comes to success in school. Regarding academic success, passing exams is a crucial milestone irrespective of which grade one is in. Taking one’s exams also provides a sense of accomplishment, which can boost confidence in kids and motivate them to aim for further achievement.
Many parents wonder how they can help their kids stay motivated during their academic pursuits.
If you are wondering the same thing, then we have some simple yet effective tips for you that you can use as a roadmap to help your children achieve the best on their exams.
Read on to learn more!
5 Effective Tips for Parents to Help Kids Preparation for their Exams
Below are some important tips or ideas which parents can help their children easily while preparing for their exams. So, let's check -
Prepare Your Children for What is to Come
As a parent, you will want to take the initiative to prepare your child for what is to come. For instance, if your child is about to appear for an entry test for another school, you can download exam papers for the age group 11+ and get a full range of accurate 11+ exam papers that assessment experts create.
You will also want to help your children create study plans by dividing the time that they will dedicate to each subject. While you are at it, you will want to encourage your kids to make effective use of study aids, such as notes and flashcards – in print or online.
Whether your child is preparing for the GCSE exams or the age group 11+ exam, it is crucial to have a study plan. Arrange mock exams for your children as it will help them to mentally prepare for what is to come.
Understand That Anxiety is Part of the Process
We know that exams can be stressful – not only for children but also for grown-ups. But – kids need their parent’s support during this time, which is why you will want to help them manage their stress levels and curb their anxiety.
You will want to reassure your child that they have prepared well and sufficiently and that, as a parent, you will have their back and help them with the tools they need.
To manage their stress level, you will want to encourage your kids to take short breaks between their learning and studying sessions. As a matter of fact, you will want to incorporate breaks in their study plan and provide them a chance to regain clarity of mind, relax, rejuvenate, and then refocus on their studies.
Be open and honest when talking to them about the worries that they might have regarding their exams. By having open and honest conversations, you will help them identify the reason for their stress. Eventually, you will help them manage any potential stressors that might arise during their exam periods.
Establish a Study Schedule and Stick to it
Usually, children face loads of pressure in school, which is all about managing studies and extracurricular activities. This pressure can make it challenging for them to make time and prepare for the upcoming exams. That said, parents must create a study schedule that can be followed and one that will actually work for them.
You will want to encourage your child to get indulged in creating a study schedule. For instance, you will want to encourage them to create an outline and jot down all subjects that need to be covered and revised for the upcoming exam.
If it is a big topic, you will want to break it into smaller topics as it will be easier to cover the topic this way. Estimate how much time they will need to cover the topics and then integrate breaks in between to allow them to relax.
It is important to mention here that the plan should be as realistic as possible. Also, the study schedule should sync with the child’s lifestyle. The last thing that any teenager will want to do is to study 12 hours straight a day.
Extensive study hours will affect the child’s health, so you will want to ensure they are getting sufficient breaks and eating and drinking right.
Ensure that Your Children Get Enough Rest
As parents, you will certainly want to push your kids to study harder and smarter by sticking to a study schedule. However, you will want to ensure that your children get enough rest as well. You can encourage short naps during the day – but – you will want to ensure that your children sleep properly at night.
More importantly, you will want to discourage your child from pulling an all-nighter the day before the exam day. Make sure that they have sufficient time to revise in the morning, but they will need to be well-rested the night before. This way, they will be less anxious and have better clarity of mind on the exam day.
Also, while your kids prepare for the exam, you will want to encourage them to engage in fun physical activities. For instance, after they have studied for one hour straight, you will want to encourage your kids to do some stretching and some walking.
A short bout of physical activity will help them feel energetic and restore alertness. Sticking to a healthy sleeping schedule is crucial as it will help your children regulate their internal clock, which is crucial for better mental health and boost alertness during the day.
Help Your Children Feel Confident
As the exam date gets nearer, it is normal for kids to feel overwhelmed with anxiety. However, as a parent, you can help your child handle this kind of situation with confidence. You will want to keep reminding them that they are well-prepared and ready to take the exam.
You can also teach them breathing exercises to feel relaxed in the exam center. Keep giving them positive reminders about the effort that they have made and help them adjust their mindset from negative to positive.
We know that a positive mindset can do wonders – and you will want to ensure that your child has a positive mindset on the exam day.
