How to reduce stress and anxiety during exams
Feelings of anxiety are common in children as they develop. For example, young children often suffer feelings of anxiety when they’re starting school for the first time. Whereas older children tend to get anxious about things like moving schools, performance and exam anxiety. These feelings are normal and something many of us will face from time to time in life.

However, anxiety can be a difficult emotion for children to process and understand how to cope with. They can find it hard to understand how anxiety makes them feel and what to do with those emotions. If the feeling of anxiety persists, it can start to affect a child’s performance, their behaviour and their health.

Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do as parents to help your child reduce their anxiety. Helping children with anxiety can be a positive experience that strengthens the relationship between the parent, the child and their tutor. Examination anxiety is something that most children face, and it’s important to reassure your child and make sure they feel as confident as possible on exam day and explain that often to feel a bit nervous can help them perform better.

Here are some of our top tips for coping with exam stress:
• Avoid giving your child stimulants like sugar or caffeine, typically for older children, in the days before they sit their examinations, as it can exacerbate hyperactivity and feelings of irritability.
• Encourage regular breaks in their revision where your child takes time out to do something they enjoy.
• Use relaxation and breathing 'techniques' to help your child relax.
• Get your child to go outside for a walk to get some exercise and benefit from fresh air.
• Ask open questions and listen fully to their answers without judgement.
• Encourage your child to get an early night before their exam.
• Get the exam day off to a good start by providing a healthy and nutritious breakfast without any tea or coffee.

If your child is anxious about starting a new school or suffering from the challenges of 11 plus, GCSE or A Level stress, it can be worrying as a parent to see them go through negative emotions. But the above points and our exam stress tips can help your child overcome their anxieties, helping them to feel confident on the day.
`
However, if you feel your child would benefit from some extra one-to-one support, don’t hesitate to get in touch. KidsLearnFast, tutors will work with your child to gain a fundamental understanding of their worries/concerns and provide them with the abilities and confidence to tackle exams.

Call us today to find out how we can boost your child’s confidence and support their learning.

Wishing you all exam success.

Elisa Gianoncelli