Thodupuzha: Exam fever has gripped students with the Kerala Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations starting on Thursday and Higher Secondary Course examinations from Friday.
Attention parents!
“The exams are right over your head and still you are not even half serious about your studies.” Worried parents can be heard repeating this from time to time in most of the houses where students are appearing for these exams. It’s not that they aren’t serious, but they might be in a constant endeavour to convince themselves that they are cool about it. And to parents, it might seem as if their children don’t juggle the time well even at the last minute.
But do remember a thing. The examination period is a time when children already feel the heat from within. And parents tending to schedule their lives around the wards will only result in creating too much stress in the home environment. They should first try to think from the children’s perspective and interact with them accordingly.
There is absolutely no need to indulge in comparisons and criticisms. Avoid saying, “look at him/her. Why can’t you study like ‘x’ or ‘y’.” Also, don’t blame them for the time they wasted. Instead, create a favourable atmosphere at home that will put the children at ease and help them prepare their best for the exams.
Parents could notice the mental stress in their wards during this time. Lack of adequate sleep and decreased appetite are all symptoms of stress. They should interact with the children accordingly after realizing their mental state. Always speak to them in a manner that will boost their confidence.
Ensure that they are having sound sleep and help them with their studies. Similarly, when your child comes after giving the test, extend him emotional and mental support. This may aid him/her in preparing for the next exam with more enthusiasm.
'V help' helpline for students and parents
The Department of Public Education and Department of Higher Secondary have launched a toll-free telephone helpline called 'V Help' from Friday to provide necessary support to students and parents to ease various types of stress faced by children in connection with the public examinations.
Counselling will be available to students and parents from 7 am to 7 pm. Children and parents can call 180 042 528 44 for advise. The toll-free service will be available on all working days till the end of the examination.
Five tips to crack the exams
• Study the topics systematically and regularly.
• Enter the examination hall without any mental stress.
• Make efficient use of the ‘cool-off’ time. Focus on codifying the answers.
• Answer all questions that you know first.
• Attempt all questions.
(Courtesy: Madhu Saji, Teacher, Sacred Heart English Medium Higher Secondary School, Moolamattom)