Tag: Goal Setting

Reflect back to your school days—the racing pulse before a math exam or the sleepless nights spent wrestling with science formulas. Now, magnify this with the social pressures children face today—constant comparisons, social media-fuelled expectations, and the weight of peer opinions. In this whirlwind of stress, parental support during board exams becomes a calming anchor, guiding your child through this storm.

When parents shift their focus from merely tracking marks to truly understanding the pressures their children face, they become powerful allies in their child’s journey. This approach does more than just ease exam-related stress. It nurtures emotional resilience, empowering your children to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. By choosing empathy over expectations, as parents, you plant the seeds of self-belief that flourish long after the exams are over.

Calm and positive environment: Key to stress-free exams

The role of parents in board exam preparation extends beyond academic guidance. It is about creating a haven of peace and encouragement at home. With patience, empathy, and understanding, you can create an environment where your child feels safe and valued. When love and encouragement take the centre stage, your child not only gains confidence but also develops emotional resilience. Prioritising their mental and emotional well-being over mere performance helps them thrive, transforming exam season from a time of stress into a journey of growth and self-assurance.

Carol Dweck beautifully expresses in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, “Encouraging effort over outcomes builds a resilience mindset in children.” This reinforces the importance of valuing effort rather than dwelling on the results.

Turning exam pressure into progress: Tips to beat the exam blues

From building routines to prioritising their mental well-being, here are some ways parents can reduce exam stress and become their child’s biggest cheerleaders.

• Design a structured study plan

Creating a structured study plan helps reduce anxiety and boost productivity. With a well-organised routine, children can stay focused and achieve their goals, academically and beyond. Consider Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, who achieved groundbreaking success by meticulously managing his time and priorities. His disciplined approach to both his professional and personal life allowed him to focus on innovation while achieving remarkable success.

• Offer emotional support

Supporting children emotionally during board exams is essential for their well-being and success. You can offer emotional support by simply checking in with them, listening without judgement, and reassuring them by saying, “I believe in you, and we will navigate this together.” Moreover, parental support during board exams plays a vital role in building resilience. You can start by encouraging a growth mindset, praising efforts over results and reminding them that setbacks are learning opportunities. Maintain open communication with them, create a structured yet flexible study routine, and teach them simple stress-relief techniques. By adopting a resilient mindset, your child can stay focused even in challenging times turning obstacles into stepping stones for success.

• Reduce unnecessary distractions

Minimising distractions is essential for exam success. Take the example of renowned scientist Marie Curie, who conducted revolutionary research in a modest, distraction-free laboratory, allowing her to maintain unwavering focus despite limited resources. Similarly, children can create a quiet environment, blocking out unnecessary noise for better concentration. As a parent, you can support your little one by creating a peaceful, well-lit study space at home, which can work wonders for their focus and confidence. A tidy desk, comfortable chair, and motivational touches like quotes or family photos offer an environment that inspires them to stay calm and attentive during exam time.

• Listen, validate, empower

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) highlights the “right to be heard”, emphasising the importance of considering children’s thoughts and feelings for their well-being. The 2024 How Listening to Children Impacts Their Quality of Life report by the BMJ Journal revealed that asking children about their thoughts and feelings was associated with a higher quality of life for children. Listening to their concerns and validating their emotions creates a safe space, reduces anxiety, and showcases unwavering support.

• Study smarter with regular breaks

Effective time management can prevent burnout and boost focus. Author Tim Ferriss suggests using a ‘work-rest-work-rest’ pattern, where children can set aside time focused on studying, followed by a 5 to 10 minute break to stretch or take a walk. Thus, the role of parents in effective time management for exams includes guiding their children to create schedules, encouraging taking breaks, and fostering a balanced routine to maintain productivity and well-being.

• Prioritise self-care for a healthy mind and body

Olympic legend Michael Phelps attributes much of his success to the power of self-care, famously stating, “The best advice I ever got was to take care of myself.” His journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian in history highlights a vital truth—peak performance is impossible without proper nourishment, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Parents play a pivotal role in inculcating these habits in the children. You can start by encouraging your child to eat nutritious meals, ensure that your child gets enough rest, motivate them to exercise or meditate regularly to reduce stress and prioritise sleep to improve their cognitive function and mental well-being. As a parent, fostering these healthy habits ensures that your child stays energised, focused, and resilient, giving them the stamina to perform their best during exams.

• Celebrate the little wins with positive reinforcements

As Robert Collier, an American author, said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Hence, as a parent, you need to celebrate progress, no matter how small, to keep your child motivated. For example, learn to acknowledge when your little one finishes a tough chapter or scores well on a practice test. Any form of positive reinforcement, like praising your child’s hard work, celebrating completed assignments with a fun activity, or writing appreciative notes, can build momentum and encourage a mindset that values effort over perfection.

• Let them be independent

Granting children the autonomy to manage their study schedules boosts self-confidence and makes them more responsible. The 2023 Effects of Students’ Autonomy Support on their Self-Regulated Learning Strategies by the International Journal of Research in Education and Science, states that providing children with autonomy over their learning process can support the development of their self-regulation skills. But, in case you notice any challenges, you can gently guide them without making them feel overwhelmed, helping them stay on track and maintaining their sense of independence.

Parental support during board exams is invaluable, allowing children to approach exams with a balanced mindset. It also moulds character, builds mental resilience, and nurtures essential life skills. By offering understanding, you will be able to become the inspiration that transforms exam season from a stressful phase into a meaningful journey of learning and self-growth for your child. In the end, success isn’t just about the marks your child earns but the self-assurance, determination, and life lessons they attain along the way, fueled by steadfast parental involvement and care.

Admissions are open for AY 2025-26 at VIBGYOR Group of Schools.