Board exams are not just a challenging time for students, but also for parents. Your child may feel vulnerable, anxious, and stressed, and that can affect you too. However, if you handle the situation calmly, it will reflect positively on your child’s success.

As a parent, you are the emotional support system for your child, but at times, even you may feel worn out or lost when this crucial phase becomes overwhelming. Remember, there is always a way to keep it together during board exams. These exams are not just for your children; they’re a shared journey.

This article will guide you on how to manage your emotions, stay calm, and support your child without letting your stress affect the journey.

1. Avoid Excessive Monitoring

During board exams, it's natural to check in on your child’s preparation. However, every child works at their own pace, and constantly monitoring them to complete daily portions can often lead to disappointment. Keeping a close eye on them every minute may affect their focus and even make them resent your presence.

Instead, share helpful tips and guide them gently rather than worrying. When you stop constantly sneaking around to monitor them, you’ll feel more at ease, and your child will start trusting you more. Check in periodically without hovering. Trust builds confidence; constant monitoring builds anxiety.

2. Limit your Expectations

Expectations bring a burden on both you and your child. It hurts more when expectations are not met. During Class 10 and Class 12 board exams, the expectations soar high automatically. Remember, your child puts in maximum effort every time, but these efforts do not necessarily bring the best results every time; mistakes can happen. So, understand them and set realistic expectations.

Realistic expectations bring peace of mind and emotional comfort for you and your child. If you expect too much and those expectations aren’t met, even genuine efforts can feel worthless, which will ruin your mental health and your child’s confidence. Celebrate the efforts, not just the results.

3. Stop Comparing

The easiest way to kill something special is by comparing it. Comparisons come up unknowingly. Keep reminding yourself that your child is unique and they will do everything they can during exam preparation. When you start comparing, you begin to overlook your child’s small victories. Worse, it can make them feel like they’re never enough.

Avoid the comparison game. See your child for who they are, and not in comparison with someone else’s achievements. 

4. Take a Break

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during this time. You might even skip meals or lose sleep while staying up with your child. But your burnout won’t help your child. Supporting your child’s ability to Study Smart for CBSE Board exam starts with showing how balanced and calm you are in the first place. You can be calm and balanced only if you take enough breaks. So, remember to take care of yourself too; give yourself time to rest and recharge. Make sure everyone in the family gets proper rest and nourishment. Encourage healthy breaks like short walks, light exercise, or even just 10 minutes of laughter, as they can help reset a stressed mind. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back because whatever you’re doing, you’re giving it your best. And that matters too.

5. Have a Post Exam Plan That Isn’t Just Results

Board exams can take over your routine as much as it keeps your child occupied. You may skip rest, overthink outcomes, and put your own needs last. This constant pressure builds stress and leaves little room for emotional balance.

Planning something for after the exams, like a simple outing, quiet time, or a favourite activity, can help ease that stress. It gives you something to look forward to and reminds you this phase will pass and life continues after exams. 

Post-exam anxiety can affect parents, too. In such situations, it is vital to remember if things don’t go perfectly, it doesn’t mean everything is lost. There is always a way ahead. And you should not worry about things that are not in your control.

Final Thoughts

Parents are a source of comfort for their children. Every bit of parental support you offer during board exams truly matters. Avoid stressing yourself or feeling low during this phase, as your actions and emotions directly affect your child. Trust their efforts, and trust yourself. You are doing your best, and that is what matters most. Do not doubt your role; your presence and care make all the difference.

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