Summer is just around the corner and you may have already begun planning family vacations and outings. But before they have fun, your kids have to take a little something called final exams [insert scary Halloween-like sounds here].

Finals can be a difficult time for the entire household. As students are dealing with the pressure to perform, parents are concerned for the well-being of their children.

Here are some common signs that indicate your child might be experiencing finals-induced stress:

Sleep Deprivation

Is your child not getting enough sleep? A study shows that about 80% of teens lose anywhere between 2 to 4 hours of sleep each night.

Panic Attacks

This can include increased heart rate, sweating, chest pain and difficulty breathing due to overwhelming feelings of stress.

Changes in Appetite

Some children tend to increase their food intake as a way to cope with their anxiety. Others lose their appetite and eat very little.

Restlessness

Nail biting, fidgeting, teeth grinding and irritability can all be indicators that your child is on edge.

Negative Thought Process

Feeling hopeless and overly negative about the outcome are signs that your child may be overwhelmed.

It’s easy to feel helpless as you watch your children struggle to cope. Parents can play a key role in supporting their children through the difficult examination process:

Study Area

Work with your child to set up a safe and quiet space where they can study with ease and minimal distraction.

Studying Schedule

Students have exams for just about every class. Setting up a study schedule ensures that your child has enough time to study for every final.

Studying Methods

It can be easy to lose focus when using only one study method. Encourage your child to alternate between flashcards, practice quizzes, educational videos, and textbooks (for example).

Study Breaks

Remind your child to take breaks from studying. They help refocus concentration and improve performance.

Maintaining a Routine

High stress events can derail a daily routine. Make sure your child continues to eat well-balanced meals and is getting enough sleep.

During this vulnerable and stressful time, the best thing you can do for your children is to remain calm. Try not to add to the pressure they are already experiencing. Maintain a positive outlook and provide constant reassurance. And once finals finish, it’s time for that vacation in the sun!