Discuss Her Worries

When your kid's results are just round the corner, you need to talk to her and find out about her anxieties about the result if any.

Make sure you are not anxious or even if you are, control it. Let it not be obvious because if the child finds you anxious her anxiety level is likely to go up.

While speaking to her, you need to ensure that you do not discuss her papers with her. For example, stop asking her which subject went well and which subject was tough during exams and also that what are her expectations in each paper.

Also, avoid questions like what are you planning to do after you receive your result, which field are you planning to get in etc. Avoid setting high expectations at this point as it will only increase her stress level.

Have confidence in your child and express the confidence to your child while you speak with her.

Provide Assurance

No matter how the child performs, you need to make sure he realises that results are not the end of the world. There is always a second chance and that result is not as important to you.

To convey this, try and talk about how you have experienced. For example, you can explain the child that "I was expecting to get 70 per cent in my HSC exams but I managed to get only 60 per cent. I was disheartened a bit, but I chose Arts and managed to get 80 per cent in my final year."

Red Flags

Look out for withdrawal symptoms. In case you find your child locking himself for long hours in the loo or if your child stays aloof in his bedroom, you need to seek the help of a psychologist at the earliest.

These are the signs of your child's likelihood to enter depression. A counselling session may help to avoid such a situation.

Discourage Competition

Competition is good only while preparing for exams. Once the exams are over and the results are round the corner, you need to discourage her if she is making statements like "I must get 90 per cent this time. I need to beat her at least this time."

If she is aiming for 90 per cent and if she does not achieve it, then she is likely to get frustrated and may take extreme steps like committing suicide or attempting for one.

You need to tell your child whatever the result it is solely your child's effort and is appreciated even if she is unable to beat the other child.

You must stop comparing your child to another child or may be to the sibling. For example, stop using statements like "I hope you get 80 per cent just like your older sister ".

You need to understand that every child is unique in its own way and no two children can be same. Look at your child's potential.

What Else Can You Do

You can enrol your child in extra curricular activities like kick boxing, swimming and other activities, which will help him keep busy. So he can stop thinking about the results and also reduce the stress and anxiety levels.

(With Inputs from Dr. Seema Hingorrany, child psychologist)