PNS | DEHRADUN
Neuropsychologist and CBSE counsellor, Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta emphasised the importance of parents providing support and creating a stress-free environment at home for the children preparing for their board examinations this year.
Notably, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a tele-helpline number to offer psychological counselling aimed at assisting students in managing stress and anxiety during this period.
Gupta noted that as per her medical experiences, both students and parents often experience heightened stress and anxiety during board examinations. “This almost invariably adversely affects their preparation and outcomes,” she said and urged them to make use of the CBSE-introduced tele-helpline to mitigate stress and remain composed in the exam time.
She stated that the psychological counselling via telephonic communication had commenced in the state on February 1. Since that date, she has been receiving phone calls from children fearing to face the examination. “As a matter of fact, I receive 10 to 12 calls a day for counselling. Most of them confide that they fear facing exams as they think they will forget everything they have learned. Some of them say they are sleepless at nights with the exam fear gnawing at them. So, they feel sleepy on the day when they should study. Aside from the edgy children, their equally edgy parents reach out for counselling. They are stressed, thinking what will happen if the children fare badly in exams,” she added.
She advised children to concentrate on their studies instead of fretting over what might happen. “Worrying does not lead anywhere. What they have to do is to sleep soundly and study in the day as much as possible. The parents’ role is important, too. Instead of worrying themselves, they should keep their wards worry-free. Besides, they should ensure a nutritious diet for their children during this period. Another thing I must say. The children preparing for the exam should refrain from discussing it with their parents and friends as the exam approaches. Such discussions more often than not aggravate stress and fear,” she added.
