Results day could make you nervous and anxious. Parents feel powerless, yet they are supposed to support their child during their life’s milestones. It is enjoined that you be calm and supportive and do not allow your thoughts to run wild due to a sense of foreboding. Not all parents are the same. Some parents panic on results day, and the most common reason for that is intense peer pressure.
For some, it does not go well when their friends boast about their children’s academic excellence. Anxiety and stress make things worse, especially for those for whom it is a do-or-die situation. They might not have a backup plan in case their child fails an A-level test, although they could retake the exam, but once a failure result shatters the entire confidence.
Most of the parents have really no idea about how they should get to grips with it. Well, if you are one of those who do not just take a problem but a mess too, it would certainly be challenging for you to control anxiety and stress. But unless you are calm and composed, how would you support your child?
Ways to support your children on results day
Do not forget that your children might be anxious and stressed on results day. This is the most crucial time when they expect support from their parents. You should keep aside your worries for a while and rather focus on your child because their results day is a very big day. You might not have an idea of how to support your children on their results day, but the following tips could help:
Manage your own emotions
First off, you should try to control your emotions. Your children will understand emotions you hold on your face, so try not to reflect that you are anxious and stressed. You might have stress about other things as well. For instance, if your finances are not in good condition, you might be worried about payments on personal loans for bad credit. Even though you have some serious situations that are causing you stress, you should try to hide your emotions. Here is how you can control your emotions:
Acknowledge your feelings
It is absolutely normal to feel nervous and worried, but you should ensure that you do not let it overwhelm you. You should rather give yourself enough time to process your anxiety and stress. Distract your mind and rely on positive thinking. If you keep getting nervous and stressed about it all the time, you would end up taking it out on the results day.
Identify if there are any biases?
Sometimes you are worried because you want your child to do what pleases you. For instance, when your child passes an exam, they are required to choose a subject. You should figure out whether subject choices are motivated by the capabilities of your child or by your dream. You might not be able to completely free your child from your own likes and dislikes, but make sure that you are well aware of those biases shaping the future of your child.
Reframe your thinking
Exam results could be contrary to your expectations. Instead of beating your child up for less than expected performance, you should think that this is not the end of their life. Exam results are just a single moment that you cannot hold on to throughout your life. You should rather focus on what lies ahead for your child. There are still various opportunities that your child could take advantage of.
Do not be so intrusive
It is advisable that you do not be nosy. It is very common among parents they try to interfere in their children’s space. Do not forget that they are not kids. They have their own opinions. You cannot interfere with their freedom.
Instead of being in charge, you should try to let them take the lead. Some children want their parents there, while others would want to be by themselves. Some might want to brag about it, expressing their excitement, while others would not want to share their results with anyone.
Plan your reaction
You might not be aware of what the result would be beforehand. It could be good or bad. In both circumstances, you are supposed to support your children. Try to do things that make them feel happy and special. Even if their results are not satisfactory, you should try to placate them. They might be upset, but it’s your responsibility to cheer them up. Tell them this is not the end of the world. Try to tell them about the opportunities that are ahead of them.
It could be difficult for you to process bad news, but you are a parent. You should know how to calm and motivate your child when things go south. Sometimes, a shock and worries are evidently visible on your face even though you do not intend to, but believe in the fact that this is not the ending point.
Avoid comparison
Some parents have a tendency they compare their children’s performance with others, but this must be avoided. Your child is unique. You cannot compare their performance with others. You should talk about what your child has achieved.
Try to pick some positive things from their performance. Have a meaningful conversation with your child and tell them they should not lose hope if the result is not good. Talk about positive aspects of life and how they can make the most of your achievements down the line.
The final word
It can be a bit challenging to support your children on results day, especially when you are an anxious person, but try not to let stress and anxiety overwhelm you. If your child does not want you to be there, do not force them. However, it does not mean that you should not motivate them. Even if the result is not good, you should try to ensure that your child stays motivated and encouraged to perform better next time.
