by Ethel Smith

Created on: May 20, 2007   Last Updated: May 22, 2007

Unfortunately stress has no age limits and can affect anyone . As we adults know some stress is good for us but it depends just how much. We all need some stress to motivate us and to function well. Our bodies produce certain hormones which help us with stress and certain decisions , such as adrenaline the hormone that's production increases when we are in danger . It is called the ' Fight or flee ' hormone . Also adrenaline pumping around the body certainly gets us up and running .

Before and during examinations adults and children can get stressed . Take anyone sitting their driving test . The damage occurs to ourselves and our test results if we feel too stressed . If parents and or teachers place a massive emphasis on children attaining good results the stress can become unbearable .Yes a little stress will motivate them to study and keep them alert for test day .

The problems arise when children are pushed into worrying about tests feeling as if their life depended on the results. Children will eventually react usually without knowing why, as an adult would ,and start to have physical problems , mental health issues and eventually not be able to function .

For anyone about to take a test , child or adult constructive help is good . We should encourage them to study plenty but in moderation . They should look after themselves , get enough sleep and still have a little fun-time . Children need to understand that although you want them to do well you will still love them if they fail and tests are only a small ,though important part of their life . Most examinations can be re-sat anyway and there are many adults who have failed tests , but had extremely successful lifes .

Yes work hard and some stress may help your test results . However too much may help you fail and no-one wants that .

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