During exam season, it’s common for teens to feel anxious.
Whether they’re working toward GCSEs or A Levels, the weight of expectations (both their own and others’) can be overwhelming.
You might notice your child becoming more withdrawn, irritable or down in the dumps. Perhaps they’re putting themselves under too much pressure to succeed, or they’re feeling lost and unsure where to begin.
As a parent, carer or teacher, it’s natural to want to take that anxiety away. And while you can’t sit the exams for them, what you can do is offer reassurance and perspective.
Believe it or not, that emotional support is the very thing they need most during this time, says Dr. Tej Samani, education coach and founder of Performance Learning.
He says: “It’s going to sound controversial, but exam anxiety has nothing to do with the exam itself.
“It’s everything to do with the identity and meaning your child is putting towards those exams.”
Dr. Tej has a failsafe two-step strategy to stop exam anxiety in seconds.
Step 1: Reframe the meaning of exams
For many young people, exams feel like more than just a test – they feel like a verdict.
As parents, carers and teachers, the most important thing you can do is help a child see that their exam results are just that – results.
They measure knowledge and skills at a moment in time, not a child’s personality, creativity, kindness or the challenges they’ve had to overcome.
Reminding youngsters of this truth helps them mentally separate who they are from how they perform.
The result? Boosted confidence, which always leads to boosted exam grades.
Step 2: Reduce exam anxiety triggers
Exam anxiety often isn’t just about the test itself, but about the buildup.
From poor sleep and disjointed routines to unrealistic revision schedules, anxiety can be triggered by several factors in a child’s environment and daily habits.
Cluttered, noisy or chaotic spaces can raise anxiety levels. So, your first port of call should be to set up a dedicated, tidy space for revision that’s quiet, well-lit and free from distractions.
Likewise, all-or-nothing revision schedules can heighten anxiety. Instead, help your child build a realistic daily routine that includes short bursts of study, regular breaks, nutritious meals and plenty of sleep.
Structure brings predictability, which is the key to stop exam anxiety.
Mindful language (e.g. “I’m proud of your effort”, “you’re more than a grade”) can do wonders for an anxious youngster, too.
