There may, possibly, be one or two eleven plus children who
feel a crisis of confidence at some stage of the eleven plus year. Parents, of
course, are usually very quick to react. Some eleven plus children may need a
little more support than others. Naturally parents will employ a variety of
therapeutic techniques.
Supportive Therapy
This is often put into effect immediately to try to help
with anxiety and panic. Mum and Dad try to be warm and genuine. The parents
will strive for emotional security and try to take away any hint of implied
criticism.
Insight Therapy
This is where the parents try to re-educate their child
about the route towards the eleven plus. There will be discussions about what
happens if the candidate is successful, the steps that will be taken if failure
is on the horizon, and the effects on the family if goals have to be altered.
Working-Through Process
Each of the members of the family may have to make some form
of adjustment. The eleven plus child, for example, may not want to be treated
like a baby – but might be striving towards independence. Some parents may be
asking too much of their child – and need to back off. The pressure may need to
be taken off if the child begins to worry too much. The whole family may
attempt to be more relaxed and accepting.
