Preparing for competitive exams

Competitive exams today have become an important part of one’s study course. With the rise in the education standards, appearing for competitive exams gives an edge to your career. However, preparing for the same can seem taxing with the busy schedules students usually have. So, how as a parent can you help with your child’s preparations? ·         Make them feel at ease – The most important part of the competitive exam is; parents should ensure that the kids should not feel overburdened with school work and studying for the competitive exams as well. The transition to studying for the competitive exams should be smooth. This requires patience on the parent’s side. Parents, in their pursuit to make their kid ready for the competitive exams often forget that they rub the stress and impatience on the kid. This, in turn, can work against the study preparation which needs to be done systematically. ·        Scheduling – Help your kid make a schedule for study. Allotting enough time for play and TV too is important. Kids too need some recreation to wind off but at the same time it needs to be ensured that the schedule is followed as well. The parents play a big role in motivating their kids to follow the schedule and also help them set a goal for everyday studies. ·       Study material – Selecting the study material as per the syllabus for the exams and incorporating them into the daily school studies can help in a long way. Help your kids in identifying his or her weak areas and work on them. Parents can be encouraging and help their child solve difficult questions. ·        Solving papers – Encourage your child while they solve past papers. It is a good way to understand the structure of the competitive test. Time the tests and ensure your kid finishes them in time. This will help them with the time they need to take for each question and will help in the final test. Most of the competitive exams are arranged in the multiple choice questions. So, solving papers in timed conditions, selecting the correct choice, neatness and tidiness, I solving mathematical problems, all can be achieved by practicing papers. ·        Getting the basics right – Having the fundamental knowledge about a subject is very important. Parents should ensure that their kid’s fundamental knowledge of any subject is clear. It always better to work on them beforehand. Talking to the kid’s teachers can help as she/he can help with the progress of the child in his or her studies. ·        Practice – Inculcate a habit of practice in the kids. It will not only help with the preparation of competitive exams but it will be a life lesson for all their lives. Any new activity when practiced, achieves the purpose!  ·        Last but not the least, parents play an important role in the kid’s educational lives. Good habits, devoting enough time to study, being respectful, being socially active all go a long way towards a fulfilled life and Parents are the biggest influence.