The exam period can be stressful for both the children themselves, and also for the parents. Most of the time, parents need to support their children by helping them with revision, comforting and motivating them to study harder in order to achieve the results they desire. Obviously, as parents, various different duties fall under their role, one of them is driving their children to classes, extracurricular activities and exams. The drive to an exam can be an important medium where parents can support their children, giving them one last push and calming them on the way for their exams, as most often than not, they might be feeling a little bit anxious. In this blog, I would like to discuss some tips one can say to their child whilst going through this drive.

The first tip includes checking and making sure that they have everything they need; stationary, documentation and any other necessary materials. Checking about this, can help them make sure that they have everything they need.

It is also important to be positive and encouraging to the child rather than discouraging, to motivate them to perform to the best of their abilities. Even though they might have not prepared as much as you liked them to, it does not make sense to remind them of what they did not do, but rather of what they did. It is also great if you can remind them about their past achievements as proof that they can and will succeed for their upcoming assessment. Another tip can include encouraging them further by reminding them that as their parent, you love them unconditionally no matter what the result is.

It is also good to provide them with relaxing techniques that they can do if they feel agitated or anxious. These can include counting backwards as well as breathing in and out, amongst others. Some would maybe prefer listening to their favourite music on their way to the exam. Ideally, you ask your child what they want to do on the route to the exam as to not get them uncomfortable beforehand, since that might hinder their performance.

In addition, research shows that some repetitive phrases such as “I am enough” or “I can do this” can help rewire the brain into believing that we are enough and we can do it if they are repeated enough. This shows that if we instil these positive phrases in their mind, it can help improve their self-esteem, and they can believe further in themselves in achieving a good grade in the exam.

Therefore, these are some small tips that you can tell your child whilst driving to an exam in order to help them calm down and offer them some comfort. The most important thing is to encourage and motivate them to do their best in order to be pushed to do their best.

Grassi, A., Gaggioli, A., & Riva, G. (2011). New technologies to manage exam anxiety.

Danica Cassar has recently graduated in Bachelor of Psychology. She works as a triage officer at Willingness. You can contact her on danica@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.