We are at that time of year when fifth- and sixth- form students are completing their external examinations while younger students are preparing for their end-of-year internal examinations.

It is, unquestionably, a stressful time for students, parents and educators. Stress is one of the body’s natural responses to something threatening or frightening. While it is an inevitable part of student life, it does take a toll in many varied ways. A level of stress does help students to achieve their best, but too much stress can lead to distress and failure.Stress can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is short-lived and the onset is quick; for example, going to the dentist to extract a tooth. Chronic stress is ongoing and long-lived; for example, living in an abusive household or having unrealistic expectations. Signs of StressIt is important for parents to observe their kids at all times and be on the lookout for signs of severe stress. Chronic stress, however, can lead to depression, anxiety and other serious mental and physical problems. It can also fuel negative behaviours which lead to harmful consequences. 

The following are some symptoms that teenagers may experience when stressed:• Worrying a lot• Feeling tense• Experiencing a lot of headaches• Not sleeping well and/or experiencing nightmares• Seeming negative and sad• Not enjoying activities that they previously enjoyed• Irritability• Not eating well• Unexplained aches and pains• Constant tiredness• Aggression If your child is acting significantly different than usual, it is your job to investigate. Question your child and talk to teachers and friends if necessary. Please note that some over-stressed teens do not show overt signs. Factors that Promote Stress

• Performance anxietyMany students suffer greatly because of undue pressure from parents to perform at exceptional levels. I implore parents to take a serious look at the demands that they are placing on their kids. Here are some questions that parents should ask themselves.1. Are these expectations realistic?2. Are the goals being aimed for your own goals when you were a child or are they really your child’s goals?3. Are you comparing yourself with your child or your child to another child?On the flip side, there are parents who never actually make direct demands on their kids. However, there may be unstated expectations. For example, kids may grow up in a household where both parents are successful. These kids may fear disappointing their parents simply because they admire and look up to them so much. This also warrants concern. It is a delicate situation and parents must tread cautiously. 

• Lack of sleepMany students sacrifice sleep in favour of studying. Pulling ‘all-nighters’ is counter-productive and is harmful to your health. It is important that parents encourage their teens to get at least even hours sleep each night. I recommend studying in the early morning rather than late night. This is better simply because the brain is rested in the mornings and therefore better able to assimilate the material being studied. 

• Lack of understanding of subjectsNot all students are well prepared to sit examinations based solely on classroom teaching. It is difficult for teachers to provide guidance based on each child’s specific need or needs in a classroom of 35 or more students. Some students may require extra help to grasp complex concepts as well as extra practice to attain mastery. Talk to your child and find out if this is an issue. If it is, seek external help promptly. Make sure to find extra help that offers differences from the traditional classroom such as a small classroom size. How Parents Can Help

• SupportThe best way to help your overstressed child is to be as supportive and as tolerant as possible. Your kids must always know that you appreciate, love and support them unconditionally. 

• PreparationHelp your child to foster good study habits. Studying for examinations must include adequate time for relaxation and sleep. Many parents underestimate the value of relaxation. The place of study must be free of all distractions. 

• Exercise and good nutritionPhysical activity is critical for everybody and even more so for someone undergoing stress. Ensure that at least 30 minutes each day are spent exercising. Good nutrition is also vital at this time. Even though it is easy to pick up fast food on the way to and from school, this is not usually providing your child with the nutrients that his/her body needs. Stay away from caffeinated beverages and include healthy meals in the daily routine. 

Dr Karla Hylton is the author of

Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools.

She operates Bio & Chem Tutoring, which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876) 564-1347,

biochemtutor100@gmail.com

or

khylton.com.