JOIN USWhen parents catch examination fever
Exam fever can be described as a condition that affects not only students but parents as well. Tension, nerves and stress are common among parents. Some even take leave from work to coach and lend moral support to their children, especially during board examinations.
Nutan, whose son is appearing for class 12 examinations, is not overly stressed but admits to feeling nervous. “I am more stressed now than during my own examinations. There is a lot more competition now. These days, everyone wants to get more
marks. Even 90 per cent may not be enough. While I don’t sit with him when he is studying, I ensure that he doesn’t get too distracted by other things.”
Lakhy reveals that there is peer pressure among parents too. “I got more anxious when I went to drop my daughter at her centre. I saw how nervous other parents were and that they knew a lot more about their child’s portions and preparations. There were fathers, who had taken leave from work, to help their child during the board exams. It is normal for parents to be worried as they want the best for their children. While some parents are more nervous than others, it also depends on the child.”
A child’s exam can be a life-altering event and many parents turn to temples and pray for the best for their children. “Naturally, I was tense before my son’s exam. My emotions were similar to those when my son was born. Lots of hopes and expectations. I went to the temple a week in advance to offer my prayers and I know lots of parents who visit the temple on the day before the exam. I think parent’s tension also depends on the children. If the child is playful, then the parents are more likely to be tense. If the child is very tense, then parents play it calm,” says Radhika, whose son is appearing for his class 10 exams.
No two parents are the same and within the couple itself, there can be various methods of dealing with examinations. Chandrashekhar and his wife adopt two different styles while dealing with their son’s class 10 exams. “I am not so anxious but my wife is very worried. While I don’t monitor what he studies, he knows he can come to me if he has any doubts. In today’s world if you want to do well, you need to perform.” He also admits that having an elder child, who has already given the board exams, wears off the novelty. “My wife goes to the temple and does archanai and other small rituals. I don’t believe in such things.”