Warning over exam stress
The NSPCC has issued a warning to parents about exam stress.
Its telephone helpline Childline delivered 3,135 counselling sessions on exam stress in 2017/18.
Main concerns included an overwhelming workload, pressure from their parents and worries about whether they would get the grades they want.
Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: “It is vital that family, friends and teachers are there to support children and teenagers during this stressful time, listening to them and keeping them calm and focused so they can properly prepare for the challenges to come.
“Exams are very important and we really want young people to do their very best. However, they should also remember that if things don’t go exactly according to plan there will be lots of other opportunities for them to express themselves and succeed.”
The NSPCC has issued guidance for parents, which includes: trying not to put unnecessary pressure on children to gain certain grades; encouraging them to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise; and to help them revise by giving them space.
Here at Faith at Home we know the importance of bringing a faith dynamic to all aspects of the lives of our children. Why don’t you pray this prayer with your child?
A Salesian Prayer
Dear Lord,
As I take this exam I thank you that my value is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and calm, confident in the facts and in my ability, and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me.
UK’s first Bible-themed play centre a huge hit
The UK’s first ever Bible-themed play centre for children has proved to be a big hit, with around 2,000 visitors in its opening month.
The Hideaway in Manchester caters for those up to the age of 10 and has a mix of play and education spaces
Its co-founder Andy Lancey told Premier’s News Hour about what’s available.
While phase one of the opening includes a creative play area, soft play and sports area, the centre will soon introduce innovative ways to tell biblical stories with the aim of helping children break out of cycles of “hopelessness and despair”. #
“We’re going to have a city wall, then we’re going to be talking about the Jericho wall, then we’re going to be talking about Nehemiah and bring that story in using the construction zone. We’ll also be having an area about Daniel’s training zone and different things he did, as well as some of the New Testament stories,” Andy Lancey told YCW.
The biblical aspect of the centre is expected to open in 2019.
Speaking about its importance, Andy said: “Obviously it’s not so much talked about in schools and children don’t know about it, but we wanted to have a biblical foundation using Bible stories to speak about play, to speak about their character and to give children that sense of who they are through those stories.”
