How To Soothe Exam Stress

Exam Stress

Help take the pressure off your children during exam time with this expert advice.

Along with lighter evenings, early summer sees the start of school exam season. According to mental health charity MIND, the average child will sit 87 exams in their school life, so learning to cope with them is a must. Here are steps Mums and Dads can take to help avoid stress in the first place.

Be Prepared

'Time and place make a big difference to exam prep,' says Wendy Evans from Parentline Plus, a charity offering support to those caring for children. She suggests planning with your children where and when revision will happen. 'Helping them find a quiet area to study regularly will get them to focus. Your encouragement will also help them feel supported, which is crucial for confidence building.'

The Right Food

'A healthy, balanced diet is essential for body growth and development,' says Boots expert nutritionist Vicky Pennington. That means a variety of different food: five-a-day of fruit and veg, lean protein , including 2 servings of oily fish per week, energy-giving carbs such as pasta, wholegrain cereals and potatoes, plus milk and dairy produce for calcium. Also, consider an age-appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement if you feel their diet is lacking. 'In order to concentrate properly they need to be well hydrated, too,' Vicky adds. 'As a guide, ensure they're drinking 6-8 glasses, cups or mugs of fluid a day.'

Find Time To Relax

Encourage your child to wind down between studying and going to bed, with play time - or 'no work' time for tweens and teens. Herbal preperations and aromatherapy oild can help soothe nerves.

Get Them Moving

Exercise boosts energy levels, clears the mind and relieves anxiety, so encourage kids to walk the dog or go swimming with friends. The NHS recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Make exams Less Scary

'Lots of children can feel the greatest pressure comes form their family,' says Mark Bajer from Childline, a phone helpline for children and young people. He suggests regular reassurance that failing a test or exam isn't the end of the world, along with plenty of praise for effort.

I hope you find this information helpful. All this information is from the Boots Health & Beauty May/June edition magazine.

I am not qualified to give any medical information or advice, so if you have any concerns you should contact you regular GP.