It is Result Time Guys !!

All waiting for results with a churning stomach. Waiting for exam results can be a scary time for some of us with anxiety level rising. Of course this is normal. It is to be expected that you feel stressed, nervous, panicky and anxious. Some of us may not even realize that you are feeling the effects of stress.

Common physical symptoms that accompany exam stress are –

  • Muscle tension
  • Indigestion
  • Sleep Difficulties
  • Repaid uneven pounding heartbeat
  • Frequent urge to pass urine
  • Fast, shallow breathing
  • Chest discomfort
  • Change in appetite,
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Backache

First of all, don’t overburden your child with your expectations be supportive.   Help your child to develop self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of achievement. Motivate him/her.  Avoid nagging unnecessarily – instead talk like an adult and help him. Do not bring out sensitive topics such as any previous failure.  Humor is the worst enemies of stress – try and make yourself light and humorous. Acknowledge the simple fact that exams are not the end of the world. After years of hard work and effort some moments of gut wrenching trepidation are inevitable as thousands of students, their parents and careers await results that determine their immediate future and career choices.

Anxiety, self doubt, panic and fear about the future are just some of the feelings teenagers may go through in the next few days as they await results. Whatever you feel doesn’t show it so they can rely on you to help carry them through a stressful time. Occupy them and take them out to divert attention from impending results and tell your child that however they have done you are proud of them. Tell them you love them for what they are and no result can change that.

Nothing is forever. If results aren’t what they wanted facing difficulties is how we teach our children coping strategies. Tell them ‘this has happened; now let’s see what we can do’.

“Getting enough sleep, staying calm and being prepared may seem like basic commons sense but at stressful times such as exam results days we all need reminding of the obvious” says David Webster, secretary of the Association of Educational Psychologists.

One practical thing parents can do is have a second plan.

A student wanting to go to university need to have certain grades. Plan for what to do if they don’t get those grades. There are options such as re-takes, going to a different university or course and going through clearing. Be ready with facts.

And be alert for hidden signs of stress as young people don’t always show how much pressure they’re under.

Watch for changes in behavior or above signs. If they are worried talk it through.

Stay calm so your children don’t panic and keep your own expectations under control. There are techniques for staying calm. Firstly get enough sleep and don’t stay up all night before results day, however nervous you are.

Important Message

Focus on the positivities

Remember the amount of worrying won’t change your result. Moreover no exam is so important so as to change your destiny. Every individual is good at one thing or the other. Academics are not the only key to unlock life. If you test a fish on how to fly….it would certainly fail.