Board exams in India whether Class 10, 12 or equivalent state/central certifications are major milestones in a student’s academic journey. While students often carry the weight of expectations and pressure, parents play a crucial role in helping them navigate stress, maintain balance and perform to their potential. Understanding how to support children without adding pressure can make a significant difference in their emotional and academic wellbeing. This guide offers practical tips for parents to support children through the board exams focusing on emotional, physical and mental fitness along with study strategies that reduce anxiety rather than amplify it.
Understand What Your Child Is Feeling
Board exams bring intense stress fear of failure, social expectations and academic pressure can all pile up. Rather than dismissing or minimising these emotions, parents should:
- Listen actively to what their child expresses
- Acknowledge that pressure and anxiety are real
- Avoid comparisons with other students or siblings
By validating emotions instead of negating them, parents create an environment where students feel safe to share their concerns and ask for help.
Create a Stress Free Study Environment
A calm study space plays an important role in maintaining concentration and reducing anxiety. Suggested steps:
- Provide a quiet, clutter free space for studying
- Reduce interruptions from phones, TV or other distractions
- Ensure adequate lighting and comfort
- Encourage short study breaks to prevent burnout
This setup helps children stay focused and reduces the mental fatigue that often accompanies long study hours.
Encourage Healthy Daily Routines
Stress isn’t only mental it has physical and physiological effects that can impact performance. Parents can help reinforce healthy habits:
1. Regular Sleep Schedule
Sleep is critical for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Avoid late night cramming and promote consistent bedtimes.
2. Nutritious Diet
Balanced meals, hydration and foods rich in brain friendly nutrients (like fruits, nuts, and dairy) help sustain energy and cognitive function.
3. Physical Activity
Short walks, yoga or light exercise can ease tension, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing.
These habits ensure the body and mind stay resilient under pressure.
Guide Without Micromanaging
Parents often want to help but too much control can backfire. Instead of:
- Constantly checking progress
- Setting rigid targets, or
- Comparing scores with peers
Try asking open ended questions like:
- “What part of your revision do you feel most confident about?”
- “Which topics would you like help with today?”
- “How are you feeling about the upcoming test?”
This encourages responsibility, self reflection and self confidence in students.
Support Emotional Well Being
Board exam stress can sometimes manifest as anger, withdrawal or disrupted sleep. Parents can help by:
- Encouraging students to talk about their fears and challenges
- Being patient and calm, even when tensions rise
- Seeking professional help (counsellors/therapists) if stress becomes overwhelming
Understanding that emotional support is as important as academic guidance makes parents allies rather than added pressure.
Teach Practical Stress Management Techniques
Simple techniques can significantly reduce stress:
Mindful Breathing
A few minutes of deep breathing can calm nerves and reset focus.
Short Breaks During Study
The brain retains more when study sessions are balanced with short pauses.
Positive Affirmations
Reminding students of their efforts, not just scores, builds confidence.
These practices help students retain clarity and stay emotionally steady.
H2: Be Involved, Not Intrusive
Parents matter, but they cannot do the child’s effort for them. A balanced approach includes:
Providing encouragement
Participating in planning a revision schedule
Celebrating small achievements
Reminding them to rest and recharge
This supportive presence, without pressure, makes a big difference in how students perceive stress.
After the Exams Celebrate & Reset
Once board exams conclude, the sense of relief is real and so is the need to unwind. Parents can aid recovery by:
- Planning a small celebration
- Supporting breaks from study
- Encouraging hobbies and family time
This signals to the student that life continues beyond exams, fostering a healthier long term outlook toward academics and wellbeing.
