Board season is here! Stress is at an all-time high, Wi-Fi is on full blast, textbooks are in every corner of the house, sticky notes are on the bathroom mirror, major family events are canceled, and the dinner table is all covered. I will be absent. The discussion revolves around practical files, admission cards, and the pen box is empty before the coffee is finished. Welcome to her teenage home as she prepares for her board exams.
Understandably, both teens and their parents are clearly worried as board season approaches. The constant advice from relatives, tuition teachers, and school coordinators can be overwhelming for teenagers. It's as if parents are reliving the good old days of executives, where sacrifices were made to ensure maximum discipline and focus.
Here's what you can do as a parent, guardian, and well-meaning person to ease anxiety.
Think of the board as just another exam
Recent changes to board examinations post-COVID-19 make it imperative to note policy changes that seek to move away from considering board grades as the sole unit of merit. A student's worth is not determined by their grades, but by the passions and pursuits they discover during their school years. So instead of putting pressure on them, motivating them to perform better will work like magic. Understand that your ward's score does not represent your family's respect or social reputation. This is a clear indicator of their understanding of the subject, and not all children will excel in all areas.
Monitor your child's development and create a self-care routine
Parents often want their wards to get the highest score for a better future. But rather than perfection or high scores, the focus should be on development and consistent progress. Create a routine that gives you enough space and time to take time not only for studying but also for self-care. By encouraging a cool-down break, you're showing them that you're not just focused on the score, but that you're also caring about the inherent stress they're experiencing and perhaps can't verbalize at the moment. Your teen's trust in you will be strengthened.
Recognize signs of distress
Optimal stress promotes peak performance. However, if your child is so excited that even basic functions are impaired, recognize that your child is in distress. Distress has many physical, cognitive, physiological, and emotional manifestations. Under no circumstances should you classify these signs as just an excuse or a way out. It is a call for help when your child needs love, affection, attention, and your presence to soothe anxiety. If it doesn't work, don't hesitate to contact professional support.
Create an environment conducive to learning
As a parent, your support is crucial as your child goes through the difficult period of board exams. By providing a space free of distractions, unnecessary arguments, and expectations, you can improve your child's academic performance. That includes making sure your child gets an optimal 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep, being a little extra careful to take breaks when sitting and studying for long periods of time, and maintaining supervision. Preventing overuse or misuse of tools, providing healthy nutrition, and creating a calm learning environment will go a long way.
let's have fun
After all, having fun with your teenager is essential. Create a playlist of refreshing songs, play a game together, go get some random ice cream, and humorously talk about how things were so much easier in the good old days (if you're in the mood). for conversion). Academic intelligence is just one area of her intelligence. If you feel like your child is studying too much or too little, remind yourself that life is a process. It's great to be immersed in the journey rather than chasing milestones.
Nishta Grover is a child and adolescent psychologist and PhD researcher based in New Delhi.
