With the right support and reassurance at home, parents can help their child approach exams in a calm and positive way and see this time as something manageable and even rewarding.
The Kent Educational Psychology Service have worked with schools for many years to help them support young people through exams. Their Beating Exam Anxiety Together programme has been used by schools across the county. In this article they share practical tips and advice on what parents can do to make exams as positive an experience as possible for young people:
Seeing exam season as part of growing up
Feeling a little nervous before exams is completely normal. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, especially when something feels important. Rather than being a sign that something is wrong, these feelings show that your child cares and is engaged.
Exam season also helps children practise skills they will use throughout life - coping with pressure, organising their time and staying focused when things feel challenging. These are all part of preparing for adulthood and will stand them in good stead well beyond school.
Frame revision as time invested for their future, not a chore that has to be endured. While it may not be 'fun' try to help them see it as time well spent.
Helping them recognise how prepared they are
Many children underestimate how much they know, particularly in the lead-up to exams. It can really help to remind them that schools don’t leave preparation to chance. Over time, teachers build knowledge, skills and confidence, and children are supported every step of the way.
Encourage your child to listen to advice given in school and to attend revision or preparation sessions if they’re available. These sessions are designed to help students feel more confident and familiar with what to expect. If revision activities or practice tasks are set, gently support your child in completing them - even small amounts can make a big difference.
Talk about whether they have a revision plan. Open ended revision time can create more anxiety. Encourage preparation by blocking time out for specific subjects or topics and rotate the topics so that you get a mix of things through the day and week.
Keeping things balanced day to day
A steady routine can help exam season feel calmer and more manageable. Simple habits can support both wellbeing and learning:
- Regular meals helps keep energy levels steady
- Good sleep supports memory, mood and concentration
- Short breaks help prevent overload and tiredness
- Time away from screens can help busy minds slow down
- Fresh air and movement often help reset focus and reduce tension
Balance is key - revision is important, but rest is too. The spaces between learning, and especially sleep, are when the learning in consolidated and strengthened. Spacing learning through the day with breaks is the best way to learn.
Supporting their own way of revising
Every child is different, and that’s something to celebrate. Some children like revising with friends, talking topics through and encouraging one another. Others prefer quiet time working alone. Help your child identify what works best for them, rather than comparing themselves to others.
It’s just as important that they have downtime. Making space for hobbies, chatting with friends or simply relaxing helps children recharge and maintain a healthy balance.
Keeping communication open
One of the most helpful things parents can do is listen. Let your child know they can talk about how they’re feeling and try to listen without judgement or pressure. Often, feeling understood is enough to help worries ease.
If your child feels unsure or anxious about anything exam-related, encourage them to speak to their teachers. Schools want pupils to feel supported and are always happy to offer guidance or reassurance.
If negative feelings start to feel too big to ignore look at strategies that can help manage them. Some worry is very normal, but if they are so nervous they can't even start to revise then look at some of these:
- Mindfulness and breathing techniques for exam stress from Birmingham City University
- Mindfulness techniques from GCSE Ninja
- Exam stress support from Kooth
A positive perspective
Exam season is just one chapter in a much bigger story. With calm encouragement, steady routines and supportive conversations, parents can help their child approach this time with confidence. The skills they are developing now - resilience, self-belief and coping with pressure - will support them long after the exams are over.
