Some children are worried about the examination. They may have bad dream, going to toilets often etc. that may affect their emotion and physical well beings. The parents show their love and concern to their children. Parents try to understand more about their children's worry and anxiety, let them talk about it. Be an attentive listener to your children. Parents can try the follow ways to help their children:
1) Imaginary games
Most of the children have good imaginary power. They like to imagine themselves as their heroes. The parents may encourage their children to capture the quality of courage of their heroes to face challenges. The children imagine that their good friends, that is their heroes, will support them to go through the examinations. They feel being supported and have confidence to go through the examination and regain confidence for their study.
A child was scared of examination in the past. I introduced imagery game to him. Then, he told me that he would imagine his hero, Micky Mouse, when he was having an examination. He felt empowered by his hero and have less worry and more confidence to go for his examination.
2) Change the Belief towards examination
Some children may feel pressurized when they stress on result rather than the learning process. Some of them may have fear towards failure. If they can shift their focus to the learning process rather than result focus, it may help them to cope better. If they can perceive examination as challenge rather than difficulties or obstacles, it may change their beliefs and help them cope better with examination.
3) Be calm and confident of yourself as parents
Parents' emotions affect the emotions of their children. If the parents are stressed and anxious towards child's examination, the children will respond by reacting to the emotions of parents. Therefore, it is important for parents to be relaxed and calm towards the children's examination.
When the parents can be calm and practice coping skills first, the children will learn the coping skills from parents. Coping with difficulties of life is essential life skills for parents to teach their children.
If the child is not getting better to cope with anxiety towards examination after you have tried the methods, you may need to discuss with teacher and school social worker or counselor to help the child.
Disclaimers: The author shares this article based on her personal and work experience and disclaims any responsibility for any liability, losses or damages and /or application of any of contents of this article.
