Supporting your child during exam season: a parents guide
Exam season can be a stressful time—not just for students, but for their parents as well. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to support your child’s success while also safeguarding their mental and emotional wellbeing. This time of year can bring high expectations, late nights, and plenty of pressure. But with the right tools and mindset, you can help your child navigate it with confidence and resilience.
Here’s how you can support your child—and yourself—during exam time:
1. Create a Calm and Supportive Environment
The home environment plays a huge role in how students manage stress. Encourage a quiet, clutter-free space where your child can study. Help reduce distractions and maintain a calm household, especially around study or revision times.
Tip: Keep your own stress in check—children often mirror the emotional climate around them.
2. Keep Communication Open
Let your child know that you’re there for them, no matter what. Make time for regular, relaxed check-ins to ask how they’re feeling. Listen without judgment, and avoid turning every conversation into a discussion about results.
Say this instead of “You need to study more”:
“How are you feeling about your revision today? Is there anything I can help with?”
3. Encourage Healthy Habits
During exams, it’s easy for routines to fall apart. Encourage your child to:
Get enough sleep (ideally 7–9 hours)
Take regular breaks during revision
Eat balanced meals
Stay hydrated
Incorporate some physical activity into their day
Note: Cramming into the night before an exam often does more harm than good. Rest and balance are key.
4. Help with Planning and Time Management
Sometimes students feel overwhelmed simply because they don’t know where to start. Sit down together to make a simple, achievable revision schedule. Break tasks into manageable chunks, and include downtime and rewards.
Tip: Let them lead the process, and offer guidance only if they ask or seem stuck. The goal is to empower, not control.
5. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results
Reinforce the idea that your love and pride are not conditional on grades. Praise your child for their effort, dedication, and progress. This helps build a growth mindset and reduces fear of failure.
Try this: “I’m proud of how hard you’ve been working—it’s not easy, and I see how much effort you’re putting in.”
6. Recognize Signs of Burnout or Anxiety
If your child becomes irritable, withdrawn, or overly anxious, it might be time to step in. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help—from you, their teachers, or a counselor. Normalize talking about mental health and stress management.
7. Take Care of Yourself Too
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Managing your own expectations and self-care can set a powerful example. If you’re feeling anxious or unsure how best to help, don’t hesitate to seek advice or support.
Final Thoughts
Exams are just one part of your child’s journey. With your support, they can build resilience, develop healthy study habits, and learn to manage pressure in a way that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.
Remember, your presence and reassurance are often the most valuable support you can offer.
If you or your child need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s pastoral support team.
