As final exams approach, many families experience stress, conflict and turmoil in their homes. It is like ‘a state of emergency’ in the family. Here lies the role of everyone in the family to create a happy and calm environment to give a boost to the children who are writing the papers.
Educational experts confirm that families play a critical role in helping their children navigate this challenging time of the school year.
According to Saif al Kaabi, a social worker, stress and fear are common among families during the examination period. However, to reduce this suffering, families must objectively assess the value of these exams. Instead of viewing exams as an ordeal, they should see them as an opportunity to evaluate and improve their children’s performance.
Al Kaabi advises that during the pre-examination period, students should focus only on revision to prevent distraction and mental exhaustion. Additionally, balancing study with appropriate time for relaxation and stress-reducing activities can help students manage their anxiety.
He stresses the importance of avoiding harmful habits, such as comparing students to their classmates or siblings and focusing solely on high grades. Instead, families should reward their children for their academic achievements and avoid creating a state of emergency, which can lead to marital problems and crises.
Manifestations of tension often arise when families prohibit activities such as watching TV, using mobile phones, or visiting friends. However, these restrictions can significantly impact children during this period. Parents should strive for balance and moderation to maintain a healthy atmosphere at home. They should also postpone non-urgent problems until after exams to ensure that their children do not develop negative associations with studying.
Al Kaabi emphasises that families play a significant role in perpetuating exam stress. Waiting for success without understanding the rationale for passing exams increases stress levels for students. Families should engage in dialogue with their children about the importance of education and success and communicate the shared responsibility for success and failure. This can help reduce psychological pressure and negative effects on educational competencies.
Success is not solely dependent on intelligence, and the ability to memorise does not bear fruit without organisation. The system is the foundation of a student’s life, and several factors must be combined to achieve the best results. Students should develop an organised plan to review all courses, allocate time for each course, and create summaries of the most important ideas.
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