Examinations begin, parents more panicky than children

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 15

The CBSE exams, which commenced on Friday, have got parents more anxious than students. Reason: Child helpline has been receiving more calls from parents than children.

Counsellors and subject experts appointed by the Education Department for students counselling said it was parents who were jumpier than students. Sonia Gagneja, an economics subject expert, said, “Some parents complained that their wards are not able to score well despite studying for long hours. Others complained that their children are not preparing well for exams. We have asked parents not to pressure their children as it will impede their preparations.”

She said, “Students are advised not to cram and make short notes of every topic. This will help them in preparations. Scribble learning is advised to commerce students.”

Sangeeta Chabbra, an English subject expert, said she had been receiving 10-12 calls on a daily basis. She said, “Students are complaining about excessive parental pressure. The problem with parents is that they try to compare the state of affairs with their own times. We tell children that they cannot go beyond their capabilities and hence, they should give their best in existing strengths.”

“Students of government schools have a weak base in English. So, they face problems in senior secondary classes as the syllabus is vast and they are more used to the translation method. They are being advised to follow a time table,” Chabbra added.

Neeru Rajwanshi, a chemistry subject expert, said “With less time left for main exams, parents are often found complaining that their child is not able to cope with the syllabus. Students are mostly lamenting about pressure from parents.” The helpline will remain open up to April 15. Any student can contact subject experts and counsellors between 3 pm and 7.30 pm.

CBSE advisory to parents

• Do not rebuke or pressure children to study all time
• Give sufficient time to children, help them in studies
• Guide children in planning, organising and setting a time table
• Never harp on previous failures or results
• Be caring and receptive to problems of children
• Do not mix academic problems with family conflicts
• Do not displace your anxiety on children
• Achievements and goals should be realistically set according to children’s capability
• Praise children on a good performance