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The end of the semester can be a stressful time for many students. Sometimes, this stress can be a good motivator to help your student get things done, but too much pressure can take a toll on their mental health, well-being and academic performance.Ìý

Here are some tips you can use to help your student manage stress and prepare for the end of the semester.Ìý

We all want the best for our students, and it’s normal to want to push them to succeed. However, it’s important to be mindful of how our expectations can impact our students and how realistic they really are. For instance, it may not be feasible for a student to excel in every class and ace every exam. Take some time to break down and reflect on the expectations you have for your student.ÌýÌý

You can ask yourself things like:Ìý

• What expectations do I currently have for my student?Ìý
• Are these expectations realistic?Ìý
• Why do I have these expectations, and where might they stem from?Ìý
• How would I feel if my student didn’t meet these expectations?Ìý
• Am I willing to accept alternative outcomes if things don’t go according to plan or if my student deviates from what I think is best?Ìý
• Could these expectations impact or take away from other areas of my student’s life (e.g., mental health, friends, self-care, etc.)?Ìý
• How can I adjust my expectations so I can feel okay knowing my student has done ‘good enough’?Ìý

Working through these questions can help give you deeper insight into yourself. If you notice that your expectations seem rigid or don’t allow room for less-than-perfect outcomes, they are more than likely unrealistic. It’s also important to know that students can often perceive familial expectations, even if you don’t communicate them directly. Try to make time while your student is home to sit down and talk through both of your expectations. Allow your student to share openly and spend time empathizing with their experiences and emotions around expectations.Ìý

A lot can happen over the course of the semester. That’s why it’s important to schedule time to sit down with your student and ask them how things are going so far. Remember to use this conversation to get curious about your student’s life. While you’re talking, try to avoid passing judgment or giving advice to your student. Instead, ask your student questions to gauge if they may need additional support.Ìý

You can ask things like:Ìý

• How are your classes going? Are there any that feel overwhelming right now?Ìý
• What kinds of projects and exams do you have coming up? What ones do you think will be the hardest (and why)?Ìý
• Do you feel stressed or anxious about the end of the semester? Can you tell me more about it?Ìý
• Do you think it would be helpful to connect with campus resources? What kind of support do you think would be most beneficial?Ìý
• How can I support you?Ìý

Asking questions and being receptive to what your student has to say can go a long way in helping them get through difficult times. It’s also important to remember that just like families may have expectations of their students, students may also have unrealistic expectations for themselves. Keeping an open dialogue can help both you and your student reflect on how they’re doing, manage expectations and allow space for them to come to you for future support.Ìý

Pulling all-nighters and cramming in study sessions can take a toll, especially when students are already experiencing high levels of stress. Spend some time reminding your student to practice self-care and healthy study habits as they prepare for finals.ÌýÌý

You can encourage your student to:Ìý

• Create a study schedule that ensures they have time to sleep, take breaks, stay hydrated and eat regular meals. Getting enough sleep and taking care of themselves allows them to better retain what they're learning and recall it when they're taking their examsÌý
• Set boundaries around how they spend their time. For instance, they may set a limit for how much time they spend on one project or how late they want to stay up.Ìý
• Allow for compromise and balance. It’s okay for them to say no to friends if they need to study, and it’s also okay for them to say no to studying for an hour if they need to spend time with friends.Ìý
• Remember that finals are temporary. The outcome of the coming weeks will not define their life or what they are able to do in the future.Ìý
• Avoid comparing themselves to others. This includes things like how well they think others will do, how much others have to study or how much stress others are experiencing.Ìý

Sometimes, it takes a village. It’s important to remember that students don’t have to navigate stress, anxiety or other challenges on their own. Instead, you can help connect your student with campus resources to help them through it.Ìý

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