Parents and children face extreme pressure as they prepare for the new transfer tests, a local support group has warned.

Such is the stress on families that the Northern Ireland Parents Helpline has issued guidance to usher families through the exams as smoothly as possible.

Worry about the burden on their children of sitting as many as five tests is the main cause of anxiety for parents, according to Charlene Brooks, Regional Manager of the Parents Helpline.

To combat their fears and alleviate the pressure on children leading up to, during and even after the exams, Charlene has issued a special transfer test guide.

“It is essential that parents do not force their child to sit the tests,” Charlene cautioned. “It is also important that children feel included in the decision making process and that their opinions have been taken into account.

“Parents need to provide encouragement and support to their child and reassure them that they can only do their best.”

Charlene warned that the anxiety of the exams is not confined to the child doing the test. Parents need to be aware that siblings may also be feeling the pressure.

“Parents should not ignore these anxieties and stresses, it is important for them to recognise how they and their children are feeling and plan how they are going to prepare for and deal with the situation.

“Time taken to research potential schools with other children in the family and talk to them about their options will go a long way to including them and relieving tensions,” she said.

“They need to reassure them that they will support them regardless of the school they go to and most importantly, parents need to ensure the child feels happy with the school that they will be attending.”

Charlene advised families to make time for activities to give children something else to focus on.

“Trying to balance time spent on other activities with allocated revision/ test practice time is crucial,” she said.

“It would also be helped to encourage children to prepare for the tests in a way that is suitable for them — every child is unique and will learn and revise at a different pace and in a different way.”

Planning in advance for the day of the tests can also help relieve pressure. Charlene advised ensuring that you have exact times and venues and that travel arrangements are organised in advance. Relaxation is key before the big day. “It is important that children get plenty of rest on the run up to the tests, particularly on the night before,” she said.

“It is also a good idea to organise a relaxed family meal the night before and plan a healthy breakfast on the morning of the tests to ensure children have the ‘fuel’ which their brains and bodies will need to help them to function effectively on the day.

“Children should be asked what they would like to eat on the morning of their tests — they may not feel able to eat a large breakfast but it is vital they eat something, so parents should try to encourage them to eat food they like and have a snack such as fruit, yoghurt or nuts before the test. Fluids are equally important but sugary drinks or drinks with caffeine should be avoided. I would also advocate planning a fun activity for after the tests.”

Anyone wishing to discuss their concerns about the transfer test or indeed any other parenting issue can contact the Parents Helpline on Freephone 0808 8010 722.

For further information on services of the Parents Advice Centre log on to: www.parentsad vicecentre.org