THE SAGA OF COURAGE

 

A story of relationships deciphered by Royal fleet; weaved beautifully in the thread of emotions….this is The King’s Speech is all about. An instant human connect, which will change your existing notions about kings who are suppose to live royal, but is a victim of speech impediment here. Brilliantly narrated and set on British topography. In total, A MUST READ! Click to read more.

 http://www.extramarks.com/newsletter/2011/jun-jul/review-of-the-month.html

VIDEO GAMES: EVIL IN DISGUISE!

Gone are the days of Super Mario and PacMan! With technology smoothly permeating into the lives of children, Xbox has made a way to children's bedroom…eventually taking charge of their important activities. There is no doubt that one should be technologically literate, but to let that technology be in a commanding position is something, which does not sound pleasing to the ears!

It is indeed true that coping with boredom is an extremely crucial task especially in the case of children who need to keep themselves busy constantly. And in such a crisis, what good can do to a restless soul than games – a perfect icing on the cake! Playing a video game is not only engaging and appealing, but an important mental activity for children to vent out their excitement and satisfy their need of adventure and pleasure. The game effects are so fascinating that they inadvertently wish to spend more time on them.

But the irony is that video games are addictive in nature. Well, yes…they do have an adverse impact on a child’s psychology.
Video games can hamper a child's academic, physical and social growth. All are aware of the fact that a coin has two sides and ignoring either of the sides is not a good idea. Similarly, keeping aside the negative impact of video games will not do any good either if in a quest to save a child’s overall healthy growth from deteriorating.

A real workout medium for a child’s brain, video games definitely equips him with an abstract and logical thinking, thereby, enabling him to follow instructions and consecutively solve problems effectively. To be more precise, here are some bonus features of video games interaction:

1. Video games teach management skills. The players get to learn valuable ways to manage their resources in the best possible way. Building strategic skills to tackle the problem further helps in finding the solutions easily.
2. To make learning fun, video games make use of striking colors, animations apart from posing some interactive challenges for the children to overcome them. This gives them the ability to understand the fair use of color combination. Blending fun with learning actually motivates a child to imbibe latest knowledge techniques.
3. Multiplayer games help children learn the essence of teamwork. This aids them in listening to new ideas and formulating plans accordingly.

However, coming back to the main issue as already discussed, we cannot negate the facts that there are certain negatives shades to this otherwise fun gaming concept. The videogame culture has adversely affected a child’s overall development leading to a stunted mental growth. The effects are very much visible in his other facets of life…be it his physical or social interaction. Getting fixated with video games is so overpowering that they rather prefer aloofness where the only pal is in the form of an electronic game! No wonder, constant gaming leaves an unpleasant impact on a child’s psychology, which tends to deteriorate at an early age itself. To be more specific, some of the frequent harmful consequences affecting kids are Spondylitis (severe backache), poor eyesight, and higher obesity level to name a few. The not-so-good aftereffects of excessive gaming automatically leaves its’ brunt even on their plummeting academic standards – indeed, an alarming signal!

The violent and disturbing animation easily leaves negative imprints on children’s personality…i.e. visible gradually to the world. Psychologists doing research work on the same for decades now state that children simply get enthralled with the gruesome picturization and start deriving sadistic pleasure by playing those games, which only glorifies blood, violence, fights and abuses. According to the innumerable studies conducted, the mere reason behind children’s fascination towards such activities is their inability to vent out dissatisfaction or vengeance socially. Thus, video games function as a guinea pig for these souls to unburden themselves in whatever manner they prefer…without any fear, without any hesitation, without any restriction…they are the MASTERS there! But little do they know that this eventually makes them an easy catch and susceptible to online dangers.

To keep a tab on the mounting negative impact of video games on children, both parents and peers need to adhere to certain dos.

1. Parents should be extra vigilant towards their child's choice of games. They should always check the age limit mentioned on the cover of a game. Too much portrayal of violence and bloodshed in any game should be avoided at one go.
2. Time limit restriction is vital when playing video games. This will help parents keep a check on children from not getting addicted to games.
3. Too much of video gaming can be brilliantly substituted with a lot more outdoor fun activities. This will do well for their overall healthy development.
4. More preference must be given to mentally stimulating activities like book reading, physically challenging sports or even following enlightening shows on television.
5. Encouraging group interaction will ultimately help children imbibe better etiquettes, which is crucial to learn as in team coordination. 

Understand the psychology of your children and see them grow naturally!

Big Brother Is Not Meant for the Little Ones!!!

In the last few years, the Television industry has witnessed a new breed of shows called – Reality Shows. Among this category, there was a show aired called Big Boss. Well, I liked it like anyone else and never cared that my nine year old brother is watching it or not. Everything went fine until I received a baseball blow on my head from my brother. Of course! An innocent boy cannot be blamed for this malignant act and neither me because I always wanted him to become an engineer or a doctor. Then, from where in the world did he learn all this and ended up performing such a violent act? The situation deteriorated when we started getting complaints even from his school.

We understood the main cause…and to get a deeper insight, we did some more homework about the harmful effects of reality shows.

A reality show basically showcases the talent culled from ordinary people not from professionally trained actors. Although, the content may differ from humor to quiz contest…but still, it is considered as the most harmful type of television program on air right now. Psychologists consider Reality T.V. shows as toxic element for the society as they reinforce stereotypes, put actors and writers out of work, and desensitizes viewers.  There is a lot of debate going on this topic as many shows we see today are violent and laden with sex at the same time.

People who support reality shows advocate that it is a sought of education for those who participate in quiz, dance, acting or music competitions. They also add that these shows on T.V. further teach how to handle peer pressure and many things which a child normally sees around him.

The show owners say that, “what will the children watch as even cartoons do not have intellectual content in it”.

There is also another school of thought which believes that the violence and language used can prove out to be very corruptive for a child in the long run. For this set of group, the after effects of reality T.V. shows are worse than the regular television programs.

So, there are the two sides of a coin related to reality shows – one, which allows a child to learn about the behavioral aspect of human beings, and another, which takes away the child's innocent dream world.
It can be safely said that all shows don't have harmful effects on the child. For instance, if one will see a dance or music competition, he can enjoy the real life struggle and hard-work of the contestants. In a way, one is getting to know about various dance forms and trends. But still, how to maintain equilibrium between the good and bad is the question which needs to be discussed. There are some reality shows which shall not be allowed to be watched by children of 1 to 12 years of age group.

Parents should also take necessary steps from their side by:
1. Limiting the number of T.V. viewing hours.
2. Encouraging the kids to do something other than watching T.V.
3. Keeping T.V.s out of bedrooms.
4. Turning the T.V. off during meals.
5. Enforcing the viewership rules displayed at the beginning of reality shows.

It shall be remembered that life is a little about drama, violence, and stupid stunts…but at the same time there can be fun, full of family with little alertness.

On Board with CAT-2010

The countdown for CAT 2010 has begun. With just few days left to go, students across the country are getting last minute panic attacks. No doubt, this is the time to shift to a higher gear where preparation for the exam is concerned. Clearing the stringent online examination pattern requires great aptitude and sharpness of mind. The cut-throat competition along with few seats in the privileged Indian Institute of Management (IIM) across India keeps the aspirants busy in restructuring their exam preparation strategies as a result of forthcoming examination.

With changing test pattern from the conventional pen-pencil format to an ultra modern online mode, it has become quiet difficult for the candidates to finish exams in the scheduled time.

The CAT comprises of five different segments which are: Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension.

Becoming anxious during the last days of examination is a natural phenomena. This often leaves you as a student puzzled on the D-day. In such a case, the experts’ valued advice to all students focuses only on taking lesser number of mock tests while revising just the basics.

To get a clearer picture on all the dos & donts vital for CAT 2010 preparation, here is your pick:

• Believe in Your Abilities: First of all, you should figure out your strengths and weaknesses and then work towards converting weaknesses into strength. Constant revision is a must do instead of mugging for exams at the last moment. This help boosts your confidence apart from handling the exam pressure with ease.
  
  
• Time Management: Time management is a prerequisite for successfully cracking the CAT examination. Preparing a time table for each day and following it religiously reduces your study-time to almost half! Through this way, you can dedicate ample time to each subject without panicking at last moment.
  
  
• Read On: The CAT aspirant should be well versed with everything that is going around him. Keeping this into account, you should inculcate reading habits be it a newspaper or any good literature. This gradually helps in smartly tackling any English comprehension section of the paper.
  
  
• Reduce Mocks: Taking more than two mock tests in a week isn’t a good idea as it leaves you confused, thereby, increasing your fatigue level. Suggestion would be to avoid practicing too much of anything. Rather than wasting your stamina on learning anything new, stick to the revision process.
  
  
• Relax and Boost Your Morale: You are strictly advised not to go overboard with the exam preparations. During the last days, you should work on morale-boosting & stress buster activities such as relaxation and entertainment.

Preparation is equally required for CAT’s Group Discussion segment. It is integral and imperative part which should not be ignored at any cost. CAT aspirants should be thorough with the current affairs which plays a key role in the group discussion round. Infact, you as a student can easily join coaching institutes or take help from any public forum – online or offline, which will train you exactly as per the latest judging parameters followed by experts while conducting CAT exams.

With very less time left for CAT 2010, you are counseled to spend this time judiciously by prioritizing your learning techniques. Taking breaks at regular intervals while studying is a must do in your list while studying at a stretch is a strict no-no.

Getting through CAT is not a tough nut to crack. All that required is mere constructive planning, patience and positive thinking.

All about Dreams, Limbo and Kicks!

Christopher Nolan’s new film Inception is having a little bit of everything for every kind of audience. He has filmed the subconscious concept of Jorge Luis Borges in a very realistic way which compels the viewer to think aloud in the same perspective as the director does. The classic work of Nolan has unveiled a brand new super power in the Hollywood industry. Let’s check out the many innovative techniques adopted by this perfectionist director who has filmed everything right in a perfect order.

Click here

Exorbitant Fee Charges: Hurdle for an Ambitious Nation!

Knowledge = Power^Shared

According to an old saying “Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied”. Though the above equation is certainly not a mathematical derivation in any sense, it does capture our understanding of knowledge sharing.  Especially in case of teachers who as per Indian tradition are acknowledged as descendants of God on earth and on whom we all rely for a bright future ahead.

However, with time – even education is not far from commercialization. Tamil Nadu government has taken a stern step towards regulating these activities by passing a circular wherein it has ordered a new fee structure for both private and unaided schools. The new school fee regulated as of now states Rs 11,000 for higher secondary schools, Rs 9,000 for high school, Rs 8,000 for middle school and Rs 5,000 for Elementary school.

The new school fee slab has been devised only after keeping in view certain parameters like infrastructure, faculty strength and other factors. The committee has proposed 10% additional expenditure charge for future development in schools.

Even though this regulation has evoked negative response from some schools – but it has been appreciated largely as it cuts on the oversize amounts being charged from parents in the name of donation. Also, it works in favour of the teachers as the recent findings have revealed that even though the school is charging sky rocketing fees, teachers are getting less paid.

The Solicitor General, Mr. Gopal Subramaniam states that the law in no way has infringed on the autonomy of the schools. In fact, each school was given a questionnaire and was asked to forward its respective fee structure with details and accordingly the fee was fixed by the committee. The sole objective behind all this was to prevent any profiteering or collection of capitation fee. Out of 10,934 schools, a total of 10,233 schools submitted proposals to the committee and it fixed the same amount of fees for 5,628 schools as per the request.

While a lot of schools have already raised objections to the newly implemented fee structure law, a team of auditors have been appointed to verify the calculations as submitted by the schools as part of their appeal. Meanwhile, there is no such fixed dates from which the enforced fee structure is supposed to be implemented as the schools are yet to receive the letters.

An Analysis of Indian Budget 2010-11

Budget, as we all know, is considered as the most fundamental and effective financial management tool available to anyone. A government’s take on its annual budget strategy is seen with high regard, since, that decides the fate of a nation’s financial future. 

Before analyzing the 2010-11 Union Budget, it is prerequisite for any educated person to comprehend the very concept of the word “budget” in order to be thoroughly in sync with this major yearly activity.  

Understanding “Budget”

Budget signifies money plan, i.e. when one needs to organize and control his financial resources, set and realize goals, and decide in advance the finance sector functionality. Not to forget to remember what a crucial role does a budget play in anyone’s life.

In common parlance, a budget is an action plan of the government which presents a list of all the revenues and expenses. It is the financial plan to manage spending and savings of money.

Overall, the basic idea behind budgeting is to save money upfront for both known and unknown expenses.

Budget 2010-11

The annual budget report for the financial year 2010-11 was finally brought forth by the Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee before millions of Indians on the 26th of February, 2010. With enormous expectations in the air, Mr. Mukherjee ensured all for an awesome budget year ahead wonderfully capable of meeting their unexpected prospects. The report eventually produced mixed reactions from all sections of the society. 

Highlights

Here’s a look at some of the major salient pointers:

The major pointer in the annual budget focused on improving the investment climate and strengthening the infrastructure. The unprecedented increase in the price rate of petrol, diesel and crude oil by 5 percent was the most major setback for the common Indian man. 

With no possible let up in the food prices, the middle class will have to as well wait for quite sometime before they could actually purchase luxury items as the surcharge on these acquisitions have increased up to 22 percent.

The next prominent feature was the relaxation in the Income Tax sector. This is supposedly expecting to benefit a large section of the society through broadened tax slabs, removed surcharge and increased exemption limit. According to the new tax slab, there will be no tax charged on a person whose income is up to 1.6 lakhs. However, as per the rule, 10 percent tax will be levied on income ranging from 1.6 to 5 lakhs; 20 percent tax on income ranging from 5 to 8 lakhs; and 30 percent tax on income above 8 lakhs.  

Budget report even pointed out the GST road map, i.e. Goods and Services Tax and the implementation of direct tax code from April 2011. Besides charging tax on every commodity, the Finance Minister has exempted surcharge on companies by 7.5 percent. There is infact an additional exemption of Rs 20,000 for long term investment in infra bonds.

Deep concerns were expressed by Mr. Mukherjee on the escalating food prices which were indeed an alarming matter. However, to his fellow Indians, he pledged to leave no stone unturned in bringing down the inflation rate within the next few months…of course, ensuring them  a better food security management.

Budget 2010-11 also identified areas where the government has decided to invest in a number of schemes. A 1,000 crore investments in the National Pension scheme for the unorganized sector; employment of 2,000 youth in the central parliamentary forces; and a mammoth 31,300 crore allocation hike on primary education - all ranked high on the agenda’s priority list. 

Simultaneously, a 46 percent allocation for infrastructure development has also been considered. As per the new budget plan, a good amount has been allocated to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Minorities Affairs, Unique Identification Authority of India and Defense. 

The phenomenal steps taken for this year’s annual budget only concludes the fact that the entire nation is yearning for remarkable transformations as in tax rates, cheaper consumables and easy availability of credit. With the world recovering post recession era, the Finance Minister did not forget to express his optimistic hope stressing that soon the economy will reach a 10 percent growth which is the need of the hour.

Board Exam Tips For Students: Put Your Best Foot Forward

“I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn't fall down.”

Allen H. Neuharth

I always get tensed and nervous when I enter the exam hall and even forget some answers...I get all the more tensed and even start shivering when I think of how am I going to face the board exam pressure?

Well, these are some general problems often faced by students during the Board Exam season. But a simple reply like “Relax! take a deep breath and avoid the test panic.” suffices all the worries off their heads.

There can be some basic reasons that in spite of good preparation and practice, students don’t perform well or give their 100% in their exams.

The nervousness and anxiety can be tied to varied specific events such as the first day of school, taking a test or going on a first date. For some students, this anxiety becomes so overwhelming that they face difficulty in concentrating during the test or forget the information which they had studied.

Some interpret it as butterflies, shakiness or a racing heartbeat during an exam…while others experience a full-blown panic attack when faced with a testing situation. Scientifically, psychologists name it as test anxiety, which is a psychological condition wherein people experience extreme distress and anxiety in testing situations. This can handicap the student’s will power to perform, no matter if he has studied or not. The severity of test anxiety can vary considerably from person to person.
Symptoms of test anxiety can be classified under three major groups: physical (sweating, shaking, rapid heart beat, dry mouth, fainting and nausea), cognitive and behavioral (avoidance of tests, blanking) and emotional (depression, low self-esteem and anger). Students also develop gregarious attitude by hurting themselves, taking drugs or indulging in destructive activities.

Taking all these things into account, there are certain does and don’ts which every student should adhere to when preparing for the crucial board exams.

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”.

 Vincent Van Gogh...

It is strictly recommended for students to stop getting panicked…and should rather develop a feeling that they are appearing for another set of ordinary exams no matter even if it’s the arduous Board Exams. Here, the key funda which they mustn’t forget is that the easiest way of winning a battle is to win the battle first in the mind.

Students can conquer the exam fear by formulating blueprints and implementing them practically in their routine life. They can at anytime, anywhere refer to the eLearning portals as per their convenience and use online materials such as solved question papers backed by logical and coherent reasoning for constant practicing. The test papers too help them know where exactly they are lacking. All these will steadily develop the required proficiency and hold over weak subjects which are the most crucial elements demanded from them during the Board exams.

A student is suggested to always ask himself as to where exactly he is going wrong and should develop the habit of learning from his previous mistakes. He should persistently talk to his friends and relatives to know the root cause of such hindering reasons.

They should try to study at least four subjects out of total five per day, which will eventually keep their memory sharp for all subjects. Spending one hour religiously for each subject will mean giving four hours daily for all four subjects. But remember not to study continuously.

Also, they are advised to take small breaks after every hour which they can utilize by either watching a TV or interacting with friends without getting into study related discussions. This is vital for revitalizing one’s tired soul.

Again, students shouldn’t easily get worked up and worried if thoughts like forgetting previous chapters cross their minds. They should rather wipe out such destructive thoughts by concentrating on new concepts with a fresh mind and full dedication. This will help them in getting disillusioned and at the same time will boost their confidence on themselves.

Students are highly recommended to perform yoga and meditation if facing extreme stress. This will in due course enhancing their concentration power, since, yogic exercises are known for removing the antioxidants from the body and refresh the entire human system.

Healthy eating habits incorporating nutritious foods are a must do in the list while junk foods are a strict no-no.

Last minute preparation always results into a total chaos and may deliver catastrophic results. In such circumstances, students are advocated to carry all the necessary materials with them such a pen, pencil, board roll number, etc. as they leave for the exam centre.

Last but not the least, they should remember not to let other’s expectations overpower them…rather should have complete faith in themselves, a mandatory requirement as they gear up to face the grueling exam session.

Subject Related Tips For Students To Conquer Boards

It’s March again, the spring time when the sweet fragrance of flowers pervades all around…when the sprightly sun pushes the buds and humans to come out of their closets…and when the festival of color, Holi, gradually sweep away the winter blues. It’s actually the time which leaves everyone with anticipations for an exciting journey ahead.

Inspite of all happenings in this beautiful spring season, there is however one lot which is still seen perspired and stressed…and it is none other than the poor student community. Reason being…the horrifying Board Exams! The season, contrary to its warm connotation, only give students restless days and sleepless nights never experienced so dreadfully in any other season. Due to the overdue stress, children tend to lose their so-called radiance of the face. 

Burdened with questions like how to master a subject, a student starts feeling the exam heat right from the beginning of the year. To their dismay, they cannot apply same strategies for all the subjects…rather require specific stratagems for each. For instance, Chemistry equations need to be tackled differently from the way Physics theories are handled…while Math entails altogether different tactics to solve the confusing sums. In such a scenario, there pops the question as to what requisite steps should be taken in order to deal with all of them smartly?

So, let’s start with subjects one by one…

Math, the most dreadful of all, needs smartness but most importantly demands practice…the only mantra to knock down the great Math fear. On the initial note, students should start with topics they like the most. Even if a certain portion doesn’t hold a good weightage in the paper, it will at least act as an excellent motivating factor during the preparation. They should try keeping pace either with the school teacher or with the tutor. Constant revision of the topics will only sharpen a student’s memory skill vital for the otherwise grueling Math paper. It is always advisable for students to strengthen their good topics first then proceeding onto the worst portions. One should refer to previous years’ question papers in order to get a strong foothold apart from working on the neatness part crucial while solving Math problems.

Science is the next most dreaded subject in the league. Mugging isn’t the solution; rather getting into the gist of the concept is much more imperative here. Knowledge of Science is a gateway to the world of technology. Keeping that in mind, students should learn to know and grow with science concepts, which will eventually help them understand the topics and the logic behind them.

In the Commerce stream, Accounts hold a strong position. It is highly recommended for students to focus on the basics where one should be very clear about the basic terminology and their logic. With practice, one gets an edge over the subject. Further, a good expert’s help in this area too aids a student conquer all the odds.

English is the next most important subject demanding full-fledged attention. A thorough English practice will only turn out to be helpful in one’s future. One should rather develop the habit to listen to spoken English than cramming up the usage of tenses and other grammar rules.

Tips are as well required to study subjects like Economics, Geography and Business Studies. In such a case, students should understand the fact that these subjects are partially practical knowledge based while the rest is theory based. All these subjects give an insight of the future world, though cramming is required till the time one actually gets to experience these concepts in real terms.

In the case of Computer Science, one should be familiar with its’ technical jargons to get an insight of the subject. A lot of mentoring is however required in this area. Understand and then explain it to others is the best trick to get a firm grip on the subject. Practical usage will manifold a student’s command over the subject which will gradually aid him to grasp the subject apart from making him technically sound in it.

For subjects like History and Social Science; the technique applied to get into the root of the matter is altogether different. One should inculcate the habit of watching period movies, read drama novels. This will certainly retain a person’s interest in the subject as well help him remember the important dates and occurrences. One can try Extramarks Smart Learn Modules and Mindmaps also for this purpose.

Last but not the least, students should not lose confidence in themselves. This is not the end of the world. One just needs to be strategic and confident. For this, inculcate vast interest in whatever subjects are meant for studying as this will not only help one score better marks in the exams but will also improve one’s knowledge of the subject.

So, enjoy learning.

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Parenting Tips During Exams

“When I did my Exams, I always used to score the highest. My parents never had to badger me for studying…”

“How did your friends score so well…?”

“So what if your teacher scolded you…its exams time and she wants you to stand up to our expectations…”

You can hear these lines from almost every student’s home these days. The over ambitious parents, who don’t understand any word less than “best”, constantly bully their kids till the time they see him/her actually confined. They are rather happy on seeing their child studying overnight sans play and fun such as watching TV etc., as this is vital for them to conquer the top and be termed as a “Topper”.

But in the long run, they can see the same lot yearning for the lost childhood brutally snatched away by ruthless parents when young.

…Give me some sunshine

Give me some rain

Give me another chance

I wanna grow up once again…

It is true that a kid’s all-round development gets adversely affected due to peer pressure of performance and achievement. Instead of pampering and supporting during such stressful periods, parents rather believe in nagging them incessantly. Infact, the mounting stress restrains a child from indulging in any other activity which otherwise functions as an imperative contribution to his holistic growth. Worst of all, if by any chance the child fails to fetch the desired score, fear grips him which forces him to take an extreme step such as committing suicide.

Who is responsible for such an act? Not the child obviously, but it is the score crazy parents!

It’s high time for parents to understand that if they really aspire to sign a star-studded report card, then they need to wisely support their children persistently.

“Nagging doesn’t help,” says Childline counselor, Maggie Turner. “Keep your expectations out of it; kids have enough of their own. And stay calm. No comparisons with others. Demonstrate that you value their efforts - reward them for trying, even if they didn't succeed.”

According to experts, even if parents have no understanding of some concepts like trigonometric formulae and chemical reactions, it is advisable that they should still help their kids as in check if he is comfortable with the coaching classes he has been attending. Many a times, children suffer from an immense low self-esteem when scolded in front of others or are burdened with the tuition and coaching classes. In such a case, parents should try interacting with the child; and if required, should change his coaching center. Parents’ support is always appreciable, even if they help them in revising. But simultaneously should also be ready to get scorned faces and ignorant looks at times – something which adds spice to parenthood.

As parents, one best thing that they can do is to take care of their child’s diet and logistics. They must ensure that he is having a healthy breakfast. A dish of flakes and hot milk would be great! Other healthy options include – instant oatmeal with raisins and milk; vegetable upma or poha; mixed vegetable porridge with boiled egg or missi roti/stuffed parantha with buttermilk to name a few. Equally important is hydration which can be ensured through his sufficient intake of liquid throughout the day. While sugary, heavy food or caffeinated liquids are a strict no-no.

Parents should pay attention to minutest details such as providing a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help the child study efficiently. They should create a study-ritual to aid them study systematically, and should encourage them to use the same place to study everyday. Apart from this, small goals as one or two chapters or even topics can be set. If at all, they are studying for long durations, then schedule breaks say after every one or two hours. A child should get at least one evening a week off from tiresome studies. Certain amount of freedom too should be given as allowing them to go for a walk, meditate or solve brain tickling puzzle. Parents can even try essential aromatherapy oils to help child beat stress with a relaxing massage or bath.

If needed or if the child is too stressed, then parents shouldn’t hesitate to consult a child psychologist. Constant reassurance to the child becomes mandatory which should highlight that their welfare is more valuable than their result. Infact, children should be kept away from all domestic issues and turbulences, while at the same time parents should maintain their cool.

Parents should be calm and positive on the day of the exam. The child should be properly taken care of as waking him up on time, making him eat light breakfast, not letting him drink too much liquid to avoid frequent visits to the bathroom etc. Cross-check the essential equipment required in the paper (calculators, rulers etc). In short, they should make him feel at ease and not lonely which is a typical syndrome during exams. They can discuss the paper later on without pointing too much mistakes which can easily depress the kid.

So in nutshell they should remember, “Good Marks are not everything and bad marks doesn’t mean end of the World.” Its upto them now how they would like to see their child in future – a talented geek or a knowledgeable all-rounder.


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