11 Plus Exams Forum

Hello, we are struggling a lot with emotional frustration every time there are mistakes in a test paper. It becomes very difficult to maintain a positive attitude because my child is so upset with the errors and angry at themselves.

Everyday, we have to give a motivational talk, which is not easy and it is a difficult time ahead.

Is anyone going through the same? Any advice?

Maybe have a break for a little while. Maybe the motivational talks are seen as nagging by the child? I'm sure they aren't meant to be, but maybe your anxiety is being transmitted?

That makes sense actually, maybe it comes across as nagging from the other side. instead of helping making things worse.
Really appreciate your taking the time to reply. Thanks a ton!

So been there. My son declared himself to be 'stupid, a failure, I'll never get in...' every time we did one of those beastly papers. I must say that the best thing I did was book a holiday to Madeira and ban all books. We were slightly educational about it, but basically just relaxed.

You can tell your child that in the end my son was invited to sit for a King's Scholarship at Eton, and offered a conditional place at Winchester, so it's quite understandable to feel as they do and if they work steadily they don't need to worry. We didn't tutor, although depending on your circumstances a bit of low level tutoring might help alleviate fears. We did read widely and work steadily, doing maybe one practice paper a fortnight. I gave him lots of input personally in the car on the way home from school and once home. But I banned all cramming. good luck!