Surviving the Exam Season

Once parents worried that their children didn't study enough. But there's a growing number that worry that their children are overdoing it and becoming too tense and nervous. It can be a fraught time for all, especially with the huge pressure on students to do well either to get onto the course of their choice or to come out of education with the best prospects for a job. The current economic crisis is only aggravating the situation.

Tips for parents

Now is a time to switch off ‘telling-off mode’ and focus on nurturing your child both physically and mentally.

• Keep their room clean. And do it cheerfully! Clear up all the clutter, open windows, keep sheets fresh and (if possible) screen off the computer/TV if it's in the bedroom. Drape a piece of cloth over it. Clearing space around your child will create mental space for them.

• Have all their clothes (especially uniforms) clean, pressed and in drawers or wardrobes. Clean shoes and make sure they have no holes.

• Be organised with your shopping and meals. Draw up a week’s menu and make it as appealing and healthy as possible. Make sure there’s lots of fruit (nice stuff). Buy good fruit juices. Arrange to eat your late afternoon/evening meal together at a time which doesn’t interfere too much with revision. Have the table laid, the food on the table, and then call them. You do all the clearing and washing up! Buy healthy snack biscuits and take them a cup of tea and snack about an hour after the meal.

• Make sure there’s a bottle of water by their work space and encourage them to drink it. Being dehydrated makes you feel yucky and it’s easy to forget to drink water.

• Sleep is an important part of feeling good.. Make sure that they choose a set time to go to bed and encourage them to unwind half an hour beforehand. Run them a bath, make them a warm milky drink.

Tomorrow there will be some tips for students.