4 signs that your child is suffering from test anxiety

It is common for students to experience stress or anxiety before exams. According to experts, some amount of tension and nervousness act as performance boosters. However, if the distress blows out of proportion, it affects performance in the examination hall and is defined as test anxiety. Test anxiety is a sort of performance anxiety where fear of failure impacts the concentration and memory of the examinee. 

The first step to beat exam blues is to spot the symptoms and identify the causes. These signs include persistent dry mouth, nausea, sweating, fainting (in severe cases), negative self-talk, anger, hopelessness and forgetfulness among others. If you spot any of these in your ward before the board exam, talk to him about the possible causes first. Here are some probable causes behind your child’s exam stress.  

Fear of failure 
This is one of the most common causes of exam stress. Students experience this when they set unrealistic targets for themselves or try to meet the expectations of their parents and peers.  

Over emphasis on exam scores 
Figure out if your child thinks that her self-worth is measured by the test results. Most students suffering from test anxiety associate their value as a human being with their test scores.   

Lack of preparation  
This is the most common cause behind exam stress and it amplifies during board exams. Unpreparedness generates a sense of insecurity while intensifying the fear of failure.  

Poor track record 
Children with a history of poor performance in exams are low on confidence. So, it’s but natural for them to feel worked up before or during exams. Moreover, kids who struggle to complete their paper on time or have prior experience of blanking out are also phobic of the examination hall.  

Once bitten twice shy, they say. Kids who have experienced exam blues before re apprehensive that they may go through it again. This adds on to the level of anxiety, making them feel powerless.  

Help your child 
Once both of you have identified the potential reasons behind exam stress, it’s time to work on it. Here are some quick tips for parents to help their children beat exam blues.  

• Share some time management tips with your child.  
• Encourage him to revise as much as possible to ensure better recall.
• Help her set the right expectations based on her preparation.   
• Make her understand that test scores shouldn’t be associated with self-worth. Ensure that you will be there for him, come what may.  
• Make sure that your child gets enough sleep and eat the right foods at regular intervals.