Experiencing stress before exams is a common phenomenon among students, this stress can sometimes have serious detrimental effects on students which can lead to anxiety, depression, or even a feeling of burnout. Academic pressure is usually triggered by a combination of academic-related demands. Over aspiration and negative attitudes of parents and teachers are leading causes of academic pressure. Children can feel burdened by the unrealistic goals parents and teachers set.
Research has also shown that academic pressure can also influence an adolescent’s problematic behaviour. Dealing with academic pressure in the wrong way can cause serious trauma to your child. It can also lead to parent-child conflict and affect the overall well-being of your child. That’s why it’s important to understand whether your child is dealing with the exam stress correctly and to make sure that they don’t feel overwhelmed due to it.
If your child is showing one of these symptoms then they might be feeling overwhelmed due to the peer pressure
- Sleep disturbance (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Muscle tension
- Exhaustion
- Irritability or mood swings
- Frustration or anger
- Memory lapses or forgetfulness
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Racing thoughts or difficulty quieting the mind
- Perfectionism or unrealistic expectations of oneself
A heightened sense of pressure to succeed academically can affect a child physically, mentally, and socially. It is important for parents to help their children cope up with academic stress in order to ensure the well-being of their little ones.
Here are some tips enlisted for you to help your child cope with pressure in a healthy way:
- Set realistic goals: Parents and teachers should cultivate a growth mindset and positive outlook towards their child. Instead of setting unrealistic goals and expectations, be realistic and allow your child to grow naturally. While a little bit of pressure can be good but in the long run, pressure can lead to chronic stress and affect the child’s adolescent years.
Having unrealistic expectations can lead to a fear of failure amongst the children which can hinder their growth.
- Avoid parent-child conflict: Research shows that parent-child conflict plays a direct role in academic pressure and adolescent’s behavioural problems. This is known as the chain mediation effect. Parent-child conflict can lead to deviant behaviours. It can lead to long-term and persistent negative impacts on a child.
Feeling academic pressure can often make the children frustrated or anxious. Rather than getting into a conflict with your child, it is important to understand their point of view and support them in their decisions. Communication is very important for maintaining a healthy relationship with your children bound by stability, permanence, and intimacy.
- Self-control: Maintaining self-control is crucial for adolescents as it strengthens their character, creates a harmonious family atmosphere, reduces the probability of parent-child conflict, and increases the subjective well-being of teenagers.
Studies show that children with high self-control are happier, have good interpersonal relationships, and can overcome pressure. Emphasising your child to practise self-control is important.
- Let go of traditional ideas about education: In today’s rapidly evolving world, the traditional ideas of education that many parents hold onto may not always align with the needs and realities of the 21st century. It’s important to let go of these traditional ideas to prepare your child for the diverse and dynamic job market of the future.
Every child is unique with their own strengths, interests and passion. The one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize and nurture the individual talents and potential of each child.
Besides letting go of old methods of teaching, parents should stop comparing their children to their peers. Comparison can lead to low self-worth and low self-esteem at an early age.
Coping with academic pressure healthily can help children lay the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment in their academic and professional pursuits. They become more resilient, adaptable, and self-reliant individuals who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of adulthood and pursue their goals with determination and confidence.
In contrast, a little bit of pressure or stress can be a positive boost that can help students push toward their goals and build resilience.
If your child shows symptoms of being overwhelmed because of academic pressure, Cyboard can take the burden off your child’s shoulders. Every class at Cyboard is engaging, sparking curiosity and participation. Our entire curriculum is smartly designed to cater to every child’s needs. With us, your child can develop healthy study habits and feel more confident in their abilities.
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