Easing the stress of JEE and NEET on students and parents.

The time of examination might be extremely stressful. Let us try easing the stress of JEE and NEET on students and parents.

As competitive exams approach, stress becomes a common challenge not only for students but also for parents. While students feel immense pressure and stress to perform well academically, thrive for a good career, and secure admission to prestigious institutions, parents grapple with their own set of worries.

Parents often experience stress regarding their child’s performance, societal expectations, and the fear of failure. They might also worry about, how much their child is studying, whether the pressure they apply is justified, and, in extreme cases, concerns about the mental health and safety of their child in the face of failure.

Due to this accumulating stress, parents unintentionally exert even more pressure on their children, which often results in compounding the burden students face. During the period of competitive examinations, many parents unknowingly ask their children questions like:

“How much have you studied?”

“Have you prepared enough?”

“What will others think if you score poorly?”

“Is your career not important to you?”

“How will you compete in the outside world?”

As adults, and as parents they intend these questions to exhibit concern. Though by asking these questions, the child spirals down on the track of self-doubt, and they often end up increasing the child’s stress. Instead of motivating them, such conversations create an immense pressure to perform. This might lead to shifting the child’s focus from their own aspirations and goals to worrying about meeting their parents’ expectations and the consequences of failure.

Instead of concentrating on their studies, career, success, or failures, children may become indulged in stressful thoughts like:

“What will my parents think of me?”

“How will my parents react if I fail?”

“Will my parents be able to face societal judgment if I don’t succeed?”

This may take a toll on the mental health of the child, as the mental pandemonium heightens the fear of competitive exams. It can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, or even depression in extreme cases.

It is a followed tradition, where parents have focused more on academic performance and social status than on the overall well-being of their children. The concept of ‘generational trauma’ where patterns of stress and pressure are passed down from generations is engraved in our culture to a great extent. Now it is time for parents to break the cycle and acknowledge the importance of their child’s comfort and mental health along with academic success. Parents should therefore start easing the stress of JEE and NEET on their children and become supportive.

Commencement of competitive exams and increasing stress

In India, competitive examinations like JEE, NEET, and others are usually pursued after the 12th grade. These exams open doors to prestigious colleges and play a prominent role in shaping the career of student. During this time, students dedicate themselves to rigorous study to excel in their academics and increase merit. Nevertheless, preparing for such exams is not just about academic promptness. Alongside of studies it is also crucial to focus on the emotional, physical, and mental preparedness.

Let us explore how parents and elders surrounding these young aspirants can manage their stress effectively instead of passing it on to their children during competitive examinations. 

First step towards easing the stress of JEE and NEET

As early as 9th grade, parents can begin discussing their child’s interests, career aspirations, and capabilities. This is a critical period for guiding the child toward making informed decisions about their future. Here’s how parents can foster a supportive environment for pre-preparation

Be calm and supportive 

You can adopt a calm and supportive approach, rather than being interrogative and overly questioning to your children during exam preparation. For instance, instead of asking questions like “Have you prepared enough?” you can ask “How can I help you with your preparation?” This change in approach, will cultivate a positive environment and will reduce stress for both you and your child.

Indulging calmness in your behavior

Children often learn from their parents and the environment they grow in. So, if you tend to remain calm and confident in stressful situation, your child will follow the same path. If you remain calm and composed as a parent, it can naturally in still a sense of calmness in your child. This will them approach their studies with focus and confidence.

Supportive Gestures to Encourage Your Child

• Planning Things Together

Before exams approach, sit with your child and plan a study schedule that will fit them. Try to manage extra classes, college, and self-study alongside relaxation and fun. This will not only build a sense of organization within them but will also stimulate reassurance of your involvement.

• Providing healthy snacks for their brains!

“A hungry brain, can’t solve questions.” With so much going on in the child’s life, they often tend to forget to focus on their diet. Stress might also affect their eating habits and an empty stomach might lead to irritation. Therefore, you can stock up on healthy yet enjoyable snacks for your child, such as dry fruits, nuts, fruits, or millet munchies, along with homemade juices and milkshakes. You can offer them these snacks during study breaks.

• Making Motivational Notes for Them

You can also stick uplifting quotes or motivational posters near their study area. Simple and short messages like “You can do this!” or “We’re in this together!”  can boost their confidence. This will also build their trust in you.

• Incorporating Daily Check-Ins (but with minimal interference)

If you are a working parent, sit with them once you get home and ask your child to share their progress at the end of the day. Review their work, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate their daily achievements, no matter how small. In case someday, your child has not met your expectations regarding their studies, do not criticize them and try to have a constructive and healthy conversation, which will prevent self-doubt in them.

• Offer Compliments and Provide Encouragement

Make sure that you recognize their efforts and successes consistently. Give them compliments like “You are working hard for exams. Keep it up!” or “I am proud of you.” can go a long way in building their confidence.

By cultivating a supportive, calm, and healthy environment, parents can help reduce the pressure of exam preparation. Taking these small measures can make their child feel motivated and emotionally secure.

• Avoiding external comparisons

It is often said that comparison is the thief of joy. When it comes to children, comparisons can have a significant impact. This impact is often followed by negative consequences. Unknowingly, many parents tend compare their children to others. This comparison usually happens in academics and extracurricular activities, with statements like, “If they can do it, why can’t you?” 

While such remarks may seem motivational to parents, they can be discouraging to children. This will also foster self-doubt, and hamper their mental health.

Every child develops at their own pace, and each child has unique strengths and abilities. Comparing them to others undermines their individuality and exerts an unnecessary burden on them. Instead of focusing on how their child is performing compared to others, parents should prioritize their child’s holistic development.

• Prioritizing effort over results

Sometimes children put in tremendous effort but may not achieve the expected results. It is important for the parents to acknowledge and appreciate these efforts rather than solely focusing on the outcomes. 

Encouraging their children and complimenting their hard work will cultivate perseverance and self-confidence.

• Listen actively to your child

Many times, parents are prone to dismiss their children’s stress and problems and blame them for the situation. Instead, they should listen to their child attentively.

Pressure from peers, society, and expectations can create a heavy burden on young minds. Therefore it is better to understand their perspectives and offer thoughtful guidance. This can help children feel supported and valued.

• Encourage yourself and your child to emphasize physical and emotional readiness

As exams approach, parents and children dive into a pool of stress. This might develop unhealthy habits. Therefore, to ease the tension during examination periods, parents can start emphasizing physical and emotional well-being. Activities like sports, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. It will also improve focus, as student will also have time to be at minimal ease. This approach not only helps children stay calm but also boosts their overall confidence for exams.

• Encouraging multiple career plans

In case, a child does not perform well in an examination, it is important for parents to reassure them that it is not the end of the road. To make sure that children do not dwell on failure or develop self-doubt, it is important to help them explore alternative paths. Parents should encourage an open-minded approach to careers.

• Discussing career options openly

Indian society has traditionally placed high value on careers in medicine and engineering. However, students today have access to diverse opportunities. Parents should have open discussions with their children, ensuring they pursue paths that align with their passions rather than societal expectations. This conversation will prevent children from feeling forced into professions that may not resonate with their true aspirations.

• Choosing the right academy for your child

Apart from schools and colleges, many parents enroll their children in additional academies or coaching centers. Choosing the right academy is crucial, as it can significantly influence a child’s career and overall development. Parents should opt for academies that nurture learning and development without overburdening their children with stress. To help you out with some best coaching institutes in Sikar, Rajasthan, here is a list:

• Aayaam Academy
• CLC Sikar
• Gurukripa Career Institute
• Matrix Academy
• Science Career Coaching
• Kautilya IIT-JEE I NEET Academy

Exams are near? what are the possible changes that might take place in 2025? Check it out here!

Maybe also check out about the syllabus change notification here!