This week, I wanted to add our tutoring blog a request from a parent in Medway. She has a child with exams anxiety. I thought it would be useful to give some advices for other parents having the same problem.
First of all, what is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear according to NHS.
So it is just a feeling!
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. As a tutor in Medway area, I can say it is quite common for students especially when we get close to GCSEs / 11+ exams. During times like this, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.
Here are 3 advices for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety.
1- Help your child to manage anxiety and do not avoid her feelings.
Parents often want to protect their children from worries. Letting them cry out about their worries and express their feelings will be much more helpful than eliminating.
2- Listen her when she express her feelings but do not empower them.
Empathy is very helpful. Let her talk about what makes her worried and give the message you will help her to get through. Do not ask leading questions or do not give a message unintentionally that she should be afraid of exams.
I usually ask students how they feel about a hard question during tutoring
, then I explain they do not need to be afraid. Next time, they become encouraged to attempt harder questions.
3- Realistic and positive suggestions are life saving.
Do not promise that she won’t fail in an exam, it may happen. Give her confidence that she will be all right in any situation.
She will also know your expectations are realistic, and that you’re not going to ask her to do something she can’t handle.
Do not forget: Our goal is to help them manage their anxiety and function as well as they can.
I strongly suggest that you should also let your teacher/tutor know about how your child feels and collaborate with them.
If you would like to know more about how to control anxiety, I know someone in Medway, Jade who is the founder of The Growth Place. Check her website and facebook page for amazing tips! Also, join our closed facebook group “Mums in Medway Homework Club” and you can ask more to the professionals!
I hope you all have a great week!
~Sumeyye