A psychologist from Minin University shared how to support a teenager during the OGE and EGE periods.

      In the midst of training exams — trial OGE and EGE for 2026, which are currently taking place in schools and online platforms across Russia — the level of stress among students and their parents often skyrockets, turning the home into a "branch of the examination point." To help families navigate this phase without losing emotional contact, Associate Professor of Practical Psychology at Minin University Elena Mannanova formulated key principles for supporting graduates. The expert explained why phrases about a "last chance" are harmful, how to negotiate rules without pressure, and where to seek professional help if anxiety interferes with life. According to Elena Mannanova, the main mistake parents make is conveying to their child that the exam result determines their entire future. This creates a situation of "double tension," where the natural stress of the test is compounded by the fear of disappointing loved ones. Support during this period is built not on control but on acceptance: it is important for the child to hear not "you must," but "I am here" and "whatever happens, we will think further." A calm parent, in this case, becomes the main resource for the graduate. Often, it is adults, not children, who become the main sources of anxiety in the home. To reduce the level of tension, the psychologist advises returning to normal family life: reducing the number of conversations about exams, ensuring normal sleep, and introducing simple family rituals, such as having tea together in the evening or taking a short walk. "When there is a calm rhythm and a sense of security at home, it is easier for the child to cope with the load and their own experiences," notes the psychologist from the Nizhny Novgorod pedagogical university. "For those who feel they cannot cope with anxiety on their own, a psychological counseling service operates at Minin University, open, including for families from outside." A separate block of recommendations concerns communication at moments when a teenager starts to be rude, withdraws, or states "I don't want anything." As the dean of the psychology faculty explains, these manifestations often stem from fatigue or an inability to express emotions. Instead of entering into a "war" in response to rudeness, it is important for the adult to calmly set boundaries ("you cannot talk to me like that"), and when motivation decreases — to give the child time to recover and seek not pressure, but meaning. Practice shows that a trusting dialogue arises where questioning stops and listening begins. Dealing with conflicts over the phone or establishing rules at home is aided by the principle of agreements rather than ultimatums. A teenager resists much less if they understand the logic of restrictions and see that parents follow them themselves. If the topic of the phone turns into a constant confrontation, it signals a lack of contact that requires the attention of a specialist. Moreover, it is important for parents not to involve the child in their own conflicts, separating adult problems from the child's life. During the graduation exam period, which in itself is a powerful emotional restructuring, psychologists recommend shifting the focus from anxiety to specific actions. Open days can help reduce the fear of the unknown. "When a teenager has a clearer idea of where they can move next, the tension noticeably decreases," emphasizes the expert, psychologist Elena Mannanova from Minin University. One of these days will take place during the holidays, on March 29 at the Faculty of Psychology of Minin University, where future applicants and their parents will be able to get acquainted with the training areas, communicate with teachers, and feel the atmosphere of the university.

      Minin University specialists note: the graduation phase will definitely end, and the task of adults is not to impose their anxiety on the child but to help them go through this path with a sense of reliable support.

      More news about the event:

      Psychologist Mannanova shared how to support a teenager during OGE and EGE

      Preparing for and taking exams is always stressful for parents and students. 17:45 26.03.2026 Nizhny Novgorod Truth - Nizhny Novgorod

      Psychologist from Minin University shared how to support a teenager during OGE and EGE

      In the midst of training exams — trial OGE and EGE for 2026, which are currently taking place in schools and online platforms across Russia — the level of stress among students and their parents often skyrockets. 16:40 26.03.2026 NGPU - Nizhny Novgorod

      Nizhny Novgorod psychologist shared ways to support a child during OGE and EGE

      Photo: freepik

      Associate Professor of Practical Psychology at Minin University Elena Mannanova shared how parents can support their child during OGE and EGE. 16:36 26.03.2026 Online publication We Live in Nizhny - Nizhny Novgorod

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Taking OGE and EGE together with parents

      Today, March 26, 2026, at the base of PPE 4501 (MBOU "Gymnasium" p.g.t. B. Saby, a nationwide action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents" took place. 16:31 26.03.2026 Sabinsky District - Bogatyye Saby

      USZN informs

      In order to implement the regional program to increase birth rates in the Rostov region for 2025-2027 within the framework of the national project "Family," a measure of social support for young families has been established — a one-time payment. 15:02 26.03.2026 Kaghalnitsky District - Kaghalnitskaya

      Parents of schoolchildren in Bryansk are invited to a nationwide online meeting

      It will take place today at 7 PM and will be dedicated to OGE, EGE, and admission. 13:07 26.03.2026 IA Our Bryansk.ru - Bryansk

      Four thousand eleventh graders from Ulyanovsk took the training EGE

      On March 21, Ulyanovsk high school students took the training EGE at 40 sites. Four thousand eleventh graders from Ulyanovsk took the training EGE

      Photo: Archive "KP". 11:05 26.03.2026 Komsomolskaya Pravda - Ulyanovsk

      In the region, eleventh graders participated in training before the EGE

      The event took place on March 21 at 40 examination sites. According to the relevant ministry, the regional training exam was held in a regular mode, without technological failures. 20:46 25.03.2026 Ulpravda.Ru - Ulyanovsk

      In the Tambov region, six people passed the EGE in the Russian language ahead of schedule

      The early period for taking graduation exams, held in the EGE format, has started in the region. 17:15 24.03.2026 Tambov Life - Tambov

      The action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents"

      On March 26 and 27, 2026, the action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents" will take place in the City District of Podolsk. Schedule:

      • OGE Russian language: March 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM

      Location: MOE "Gymnasium No. 7" (mkr. 16:57 24.03.2026 Education Committee - Podolsk

      The action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents"

      On March 24, 2026, the action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents" took place at MBOU "Bolgar Secondary School No. 2." 14:56 24.03.2026 Spassky District - Bolgar

      Parents of graduates from the Spassky district took the OGE and EGE together with their children

      After the exams, those interested could ask questions. The action "Taking OGE and EGE together with parents" took place at the second school in Bolgar. 14:40 24.03.2026 New Life Newspaper - Bolgar