The End of School Craze

My teenaged student is stressed out this week. For the first time she is experiencing end of the year finals and all that they entail. The responsibility a student must show, to study, recall and prepare for an exam that encompasses the entire year is daunting.

We parents have decided many of our kids are realizing for the first time, what it means to be a full-time, always reading, note-taking, and bone-tired student. This week, final exam week, unlike any other week of the public school year, can be a challenging one to negotiate. If your teens are like the ones that I know, they are all complaining about too much work, too many demands and daunting tasks.

But helping our kids to handle the pressures of modern-day student life is our job, isn't it?  I try to use humor whenever possible, saying things like, "If you think this is hard, just wait until you're a Supreme Court Justice, or a brain surgeon!" Or, I'll quote President Obama. He tells a story about his mother waking him at 4:30 to study, and he'd find himself complaining. "Well, this is no picnic for me either, Buster," his mother would remind him. 

But in all seriousness, this week, I have been reminding the young people that I know, that if they're feeling stressed, they need tools to address the stress. The tools include meditation exercises that take 15 to 20 minutes, and even a visualization exercise, which involves envisioning the stress-causing thoughts evaporating.

Take regular breaks from studying, but do not spend the time watching TV or surfing the 'net. Instead, listen to favorite music or take a short walk. And by all means, think positive! We adults can practice these same stress-busters we use in our work lives, and model the behavior for our kids. Follow simple steps to relieve those overwhelming thoughts: "Take study challenges one step at a time."

We know that the expectations we place on students to achieve academic excellence causes stress in them. They are getting younger, according to the experts.  Some students can get so stressed, that it can often lead to sickness, headaches or nosebleeds. I think it’s important to let our young people know that their loved ones value them no matter how they perform on a test. So many of them do no want to let their teachers and parents down. The experts tell us, "There is a fine line between encouragement and adding pressure." Parents and teachers should also be sensitive to this problem, and be aware that it is likely to affect some students more than others. Keeping a watchful eye on any change of mood may help to head off a potential problem with your students. 

Helping a student to stay organized can lead to the confidence one needs to survive final exams. Provide healthy snacks and quiet places to spend time focusing on the work. Helping students to avoid distractions can be the greatest thing a parent can do for them.

This week, our child has sworn off Facebook and texting, as have her friends. "An excellent and wise decision," we tell her. And hopefully, a step in the right direction toward meeting her goals. Don't get me wrong. I'm also talking about the value of old-fashioned hard work, and how giving it your all, can be the best way to eliminate feelings of anxiety about examinations.