Children’s examinations are often become worrying grounds and battlefields for many parents. Here are a few essential tips that would come in handy!
Understand the ability of your child. Below Average, Average or Above Average scholastic ability will be identified by first few school years. Of course, with patience, persistence and better teaching/learning techniques many below average/average students could better themselves whereas many above average students through lack of effort or overconfidence might lose their way.
Rather than looking at exam results the as the reflection on intelligence, they should be viewed as tools to assess the understanding of the subject and individual preparedness.
Avoid comparisons with peers. One should learn to focus on improving individual efforts and standards.
Offer encouragement through words and deeds.
Criticism should be constructive and rather than just pointing the errors in subject preparation, you should be pointing out the methods to improve the ways to prepare.
Do not keep blaming the teacher or the school for poor scholastic performances. Many of the brightest talents have come up despite having practically no facility for good studies. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Gadgets such as mobiles, computers and play consoles do tend to distract attention. Their use should be only during the break-time and that too in the sitting room where it could be monitored.
Do not force your expectations and choices on your children. Respect your child’s individuality and aptitude.
Encourage self-study at the earliest. Let them be responsible for their own scholastic effort and performance. Teach them to take pride in their own effort and performance.
Many parents take it upon themselves to teach their children or constantly be after them to study. But they have to understand that finally the coach has to finally leave it to the player to perform in the actual game! Your job is to show them the way; make them aware of the pitfalls and make them strong enough to walk the distance!
The Key Messages?
Don’t compare! Don’t blame! Don’t force expectations and choices!
Encourage! Support! Accept! Do that unconditionally.
Founder of Right Parenting Lifestyle Guidance Program, and Founder-Editor of rightparenting.com, Dr. Mandar V. Bichu is a practicing pediatrician with nearly three decades of international experience. He is also an acclaimed author, journalist, blogger, innovator, community health educator and communicator.
