Author: Bethany Spencer
Posted: 08 May 2017
Estimated time to read: 2 mins
It’s Year 6 SATs week which means students across the UK will sit down and put pen to paper to find out how well they’re performing across the core subjects. The Year 6 SATs have received widespread media attention this year with a call for them to be cancelled due to the stress it puts on students and the impact it can have on their mental health. With this in mind, we’ve come up with our 5 top tips on how you can help your children stay calm during the big week:
Healthy Breakfast
It’s important that your kids get a healthy and filling breakfast every day this week. Even if breakfast isn’t usually on the agenda, this is the week where it really does matter. If you want your children at the top of their game, make sure they have a breakfast that will keep them full through till lunch so there are no rumbling tummies to distract them during exam papers.
Early Nights
An early night will mean that your children are rested and ready for the day ahead. Put in place a routine that will help put them at ease and feel relaxed, and remember no last-minute cramming before bed.
Exercise
Exercise is great for reducing stress whatever your age, so be sure to work some physical activity into your child’s after-school free time. Football, rounders, swimming - whatever you decide, it will help to keep the stress levels low and distract your children from worrying about the exams they have the next day.
Down Time
There’s no doubt that your children are going to be stressed this week, worrying about their upcoming exams and how they performed on the previous ones. To help calm their nerves, make sure you factor in some down time for them where they can spend time doing what they enjoy. Whether it’s reading, mindfulness colouring or watching a favourite TV programme, plan it into their after school routine.
Encouragement
This week is going to be stressful for your children, regardless of how well prepared you both are. Bear in mind they’re going to be feeling the exam pressure. Make sure you remind them of how well they’re doing and how proud of them you are, and most importantly - that SATs aren’t the be all and end all!
