4 tips to help kids beat the fear of exam results
The Central Board of Secondary Exam (CBSE) has recently announced the results of Class XII Term 1 results. However, media reports suggest that the many students have raised concerns with their scores. They can apply for revaluation through their schools on cbse.gov.in, the official website of CBSE. While a lot of students are dissatisfied with their marks, many are more scared of their report cards than a large animal charging at them. In some cases, this panic heightens negative reactions in parent too. It’s only normal to take test results seriously. But it’s not normal to start having a miniature nervous breakdown. In fact, unsatisfactory results also lead to suicides among students. As a parent, you need to be sensitive enough and help your kids deal with the negativities and fear factors associated with exam results on the days prior to and after they are out. Here are a few very simple to do that.
Don’t set unrealistic expectations
Sit with your child and run through recent reports. There won’t be a huge jump to the top, nor a nosedive to the bottom in any particular subject. You both know the strengths and weaknesses. So keep the absurd high hopes and unnecessary terror of failing away.
Talk about improvement, not marks
If you tell your kid to take the score to 75 from 60, it may not work, even if it sounds very clear. On the other hand, if you tell them to put in extra time on their Maths homework daily, it will work. Before the results, don’t keep talking about percentages. If your kid seems scared, put him or her at ease, and underline that there’s always scope for improvement the next time.
Don’t compare your kid with others
Comparison with siblings and classmates have a major negative impact on student performance at all levels. They are aware of the competition, you are not opening their eyes to it, but scaring them pointlessly. Instead, compare them with their own previous performances. It’s a much better way to point out the ups and downs.
Declare your support and love unconditionally
Tell your kid your love and support would remain the same, no matter what the report card may look like. You can say something like this, “I will be disappointed if the scores are low due to lack of effort. But my love won’t diminish.” When you put it this way, the child wants to try and improve just to make you happier, and it’s because your love and trust is valued.
Discourage self-criticism, encourage self-correction
Discourage your child if he or she uses sentences like, ‘I know I’m a failure’, after results. Instead, encourage ‘I know I need to improve in English’. The results are a comment on their current academic standing, and should act as a stepping stone, because that’s all it is.