Year after year board exams bring along with them exam anxiety which is experienced by a lot of children appearing for the exams. While it is normal to experience some nervousness and anxiety due to stress but at times the level of anxiety becomes so high that it affects the children’s ability to perform well in exams and also impairs learning. There can be many reasons leading to exam anxiety. When the children see their performance in exams as a high stakes situation which can make or break their future, they are unable to manage their stress levels and it not only impacts their performance in exams but also interferes with their exam preparation. A previous examination experience where they could not give their best performance due to anxiety or lack of preparation can also add on to their stress levels further. There are also instances when a student starts believing that she would not be able to do well in the exam and loses her confidence. This also adds on to her anxiety. Looking at the situation from a student’s perspective, they are facing the pressure of parental expectations, uncertainty about future, peer pressure, their own dreams and aspirations, time constraints for exam preparation, entrance exams for admissions, students can actually experience a great deal of emotional turmoil during this phase. 

 However, with the right support from parents and teachers, students can sail through this phase without going through moments of extreme anxiety which can affect their learning and exam performance. Students have often shared that reassurance by their parents and teachers means a lot to them and encourages them to believe in their abilities. The belief we instil in them helps them to deal with the anxiety and do well in exams. As teachers we can guide them to develop good study habits and encourage them to manage their time well. Help them understand that a test score does not define who they are as a person and that their self-worth is not defined by any examination scores. Through regular conversations we can help them understand what is working well for them and what needs to be tweaked. When the anxiety levels in children are high they find it difficult to concentrate, they may feel confused and have difficulty in taking the right decision. So it is important to regularly practice relaxation techniques and improve their focus. 

 Parents spend a great deal of time around children during exams and can contribute significantly in enabling them to manage the exam anxiety. It often happens that parents themselves become quite anxious when it comes to their child’s performance in the board exams. This anxiety can easily brush on to children and put them under pressure where they try to meet the expectations of their parents and other significant people in their lives. This can be taken care of to a large extent if parents stay calm and do not display their own anxiety when they are around children. In fact reassuring them, appreciating the things they are doing well, highlighting their positives and helping them believe in their abilities goes a long way in reducing their exam anxiety. Keep communication channels open with them at all times so that they feel comfortable to discuss their feelings and things that could be bothering them. Have discussions to find solutions to their problems together. Encourage healthy eating and sleeping habits and let them take regular breaks in between study sessions. They might choose to take a nap during their break or go out for a walk. Avoid distractions in terms of screen time as this would interfere with their learning and add on to their anxiety. 

Exams are a part and parcel of life. With the right support from their parents and teachers children can learn to deal with their exam anxiety and be able to give their best!