24 July 2023
How to help your teen beat maths exam stress? Anxiety is a part of taking exams, and for the most part, it is a perfectly normal reaction that motivates your child to be prepared through study.
However, for some children, exam stress can get overwhelming. When this happens, your child may experience some of the following symptoms:
See if it will be helpful for them to talk to a teacher or a school counsellor about their feelings around maths exam stress to keep their thoughts in perspective. Also, talk openly about exam nerves. Remind your teen that it’s normal to feel anxious. Help them put these nerves to positive use and help them face their fears rather than avoiding them.
A balanced diet is important and is food for the brain as much as for the body. Having the right nutrients in the diet will help your child perform well during exam periods and better cope with maths exam stress. Involve your child in shopping for the week’s groceries and encourage them to choose snacks that won’t spike sugar levels, which will only contribute to the stress.
Your teenager needs between 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. This helps to improve thinking and concentration. Set up a bedtime routine for them to stick to that includes no screens of any kind an hour before bedtime. Make sure they aren’t staying up late to finish homework. Establishing a sensible study timetable will help avoid this.
Give your teen a breather on household chores around exam time, where taking them away from their revision time may add undue maths exam stress.
Make sure your child has somewhere comfortable to study. They need a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted.
This can boost energy levels, clear the mind and relieve stress. Activities that involve other people can be particularly helpful.
Listen to your teen, give them support and avoid criticism. Be positive and reassuring before they go into the exam. Remind them that failing won’t be the end of the world and they can always take the exam again if needs be.
Some teens feel much better when exams are over, but not all get over their maths exam stress. If your teen’s anxiety persists, consult your GP as a first step. If stress is caused by their struggling with maths knowledge or exam techniques, try a trial lesson at Matrix Math. Contact us today!
