Exam season can be a stressful time for children, and as a parent it can feel even more daunting being the person to guide and support them through this.
Finding the right balance between encouragement, practical support, and emotional reassurance can make all the difference.
We want to support parents with some ideas on how you can help your child prepare, manage stress, and stay motivated.
1. Help Them Find Their Revision Style
Not all children learn in the same way, and finding the right revision technique is essential for effective studying. Some may benefit from visual aids like mind maps and flashcards, while others might prefer verbal repetition or written notes. Active children may even benefit from pacing the house or bouncing whilst doing revision. Work with your child to discover what works best for them, and encourage approaches that enhance their retention and confidence.
2. Encourage Regular Breaks & Rest
While studying is important, overloading their schedule can lead to burnout. Encourage your child to take regular breaks, engage in activities they enjoy, and maintain a balance between studying and relaxation. Movement, creative hobbies, or simple outdoor walks can help them recharge mentally and physically. Rest, sleep and relaxation allow our minds to transfer information from the short term to long term memory meaning the learning will stay with them for longer.
3. Prioritise Healthy Eating & Hydration
Nutrition plays a key role in concentration and energy levels. Make sure your child is eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugary snacks, which can cause fluctuations in focus and mood.
4. Create a Calm Wind-Down Routine
After a long day of studying, it’s important for your child to have time to relax. Encourage activities such as reading, listening to music, or colouring to help them unwind before bed. A stable bedtime routine can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels.
5. Reassure Them & Stay Positive
Exams can feel overwhelming, but your child needs to know that results do not define their worth. Reassure them that you are proud of them regardless of the outcome and that effort matters more than perfection. Positivity and encouragement from you can boost their confidence and ease their worries. If your child excessively worries about failing exams, gently explore this worry together and remind them the work they have put in so far. A count down calendar to cross off days during the exam period may also help focus (only 3 exams left! This subject is now done! etc).
6. Treat Time
Having something to look forward to can keep motivation high during exam season. Plan a treat or an activity together at regular intervals throughout the exam period — these can be small and inexpensive but help them mark the effort they have put in and boost morale for upcoming tests.
7. Keep Communication Open
Set aside time for one-on-one conversations where your child can express their worries and feelings. Let them know their emotions are valid and that you are listening. Only offer practical solutions occasionally, sometimes children just need to be given time to vent and express their emotions. Try not to use phrases which can shut down the conversation like “you’ll be fine” and “don’t worry”. As much as these are well intended, they can leave a child feeling unsupported.
8. Seek Support If Needed
If stress and anxiety begin affecting their daily life or you are noticing concerning behaviours, please do reach out to us. Wellbeing Therapy Solutions OTs are trained with more specific tools and supports which can get your child through the emotions they are experiencing in relation to exams.
By offering steady support, reassurance, and practical strategies, you can help your child approach their exams with confidence and a healthy mindset. Remember, this period is a learning experience—not just about academic success but about developing resilience, self-awareness, and coping skills for the future.
