Most parents feel helpless in the company of overactive and restless children, more so during the time of school examinations and special projects. ``Unwilling to sit at the study table for more than an hour, how will my child pass this exam?'' This is the natural panic reaction of many parents. However, panic begets panic. Therefore, do not panic and concentrate on the following ways in which you can help your child to concentrate on the exams. 
 

What your child should do

1. Set a Routine
   Routine is a must for everyone, more so for your child who is facing an exam. Your child must have a special routine tailored to the examination timings.  If this routine habit is inculcated in the child right from the initial years, he or she will be able to effectively meet the challenges thrown up by life. 
   
   
2. Have a study table
   People say that decor and furniture do not necessarily affect concentration. But children are certainly more attentive in a conducive ambience. If one sits at a desk, on a straight back chair, one is more likely to be able to concentrate than when lolling around on a sofa. A child lying down on the bed while reading will most probably fall asleep. So it is best to sit at a table or a small desk.
   
   
3. Study for a minimum of one hour at a time
   It takes the mind at least 8 - 10 minutes to clear out other distractions when anyone sits down to study. So once the child gets into the mood, let the child be there for the next 50 minutes or so. Let there be no disturbances in these sittings. Otherwise, the focus will be lost. Some children like to study in the morning, and some late in the night. Parents should leave this choice to the children.
   
   
4. Set a goal 
   It is important that you decide how much your child should accomplish in one hour.  Your child will only be too happy to achieve these targets and brag about it. 
   
   
5. Reduce distractions 
   If you feel that your TV viewing is distracting your child, avoid late night TV or other forms of entertainment. You can even stop talking to a friend on the phone for a long time.  While sacrificing your leisure, you must make the child aware of such decisions. The child should not take you for granted. Moreover, you have to clarify that exam time routine is not applicable to the adults.
   
   
6. Eat light meals 
   Encourage your child to eat light food along with juices and milk shakes. Intake of heavy food is bound to make the child feel lethargic and lazy. Let the child eat at regular intervals, not at one go. Ask your doctor for a good brain tonic. Milk, fruits, cheese and similar energizers are always welcome. 
   
   
7. Be orderly 
   In order to avoid clutter at the last moment, make your child organize the study material well in advance. For example, sharpen the pencil and fill the ink pens much before the exam. The child should have a head bath regularly in order to have an alert mind. Let the clothes be ironed properly. These are small things that will matter in creating an ambience.
   
   
8. Cultivate an intense desire to excel
   You have to impart a drive to your child, a drive to excel and come out in flying colours.  Therefore, as a parent, you have to make the child focused. Teach your child to take keen interest in whatever he is studying, not just for the school exam but also for the exam of life. 
   
   
9. Faith in yourself 
   Never allow your child to indulge in self-doubt or worries. Let your child be confident of his or her abilities, especially avoid last minute exam-time preparation.