SUPPORTING YOUR TEENAGER THROUGH EXAM STRESS!
So today’s the day, my baby boy, who now towers above me, set off for his first GCSE exam & I feel nauseous!
Having a girl first, I’ve quickly
learnt that boys are far more reluctant to study than girls initially!!
However, during the past two weeks leading up to the exams he’s really put the
work in along with staying behind at school every day!
Exams are so different these days, especially since covid, and can cause a lot of stress for our teenagers so it’s vital we support them through this period to ensure they stay as calm as possible!
1.
MAKE SURE THEY EAT WELL
My teenager doesn’t like eating
breakfast & usually waits until1st break time at school to eat. However, it’s
vital to eat to fuel yourself before an
exam!!! My son’s school is amazing and during exam time has a breakfast club
for this very reason but as a parent I recommend getting some healthy breakfast
snacks in that they can take with them and eat on their journey to school to
ensure they’ve had something to eat before the all important exam.
2.
MAKE THEM GET TO BED EARLIER & TURN OFF SCREENS AN HOUR BEFORE BED
Sleep is vital and, during exam time
you do have to be strict with bedtimes & screen times. They need at least 8
hours, especially the night before an exam. Hey, they’ve got a long summer ahead
to have as many late nights as they want once the exams are over!!!!
3.
ENSURE THEY STUDY HARD BUT MAKE SURE THEY HAVE BREAKS & SOME DOWN
TIME
There comes a point where you’ve been
studying for so long it stops going in. This is the time to stop, take a break
or go to sleep as it will do you far more good.
4.
MAKE SURE THEY GET SOME FRESH AIR
We’re in a fortunate position as we
have a dog so, daily walks ensure Max is getting fresh air but, half an hour of
fresh air is vital and good for their mental health and well being.
5.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTINUE WITH SOME EXERCISE
Max has recently joined the gym and
is completely motivated to be as fit and healthy as possible. Revision is vital
but I’m still encouraging him to have some time at the gym, mainly at weekends,
to keep hime healthy and focused.
6.
PUT UP WITH A BIT OF SNAPPINESS – IT’S A PRESSURISED TIME FOR THEM
It’s a stressful time & the odd
snap or eye roll can be ignored at this time. They’re under a lot of pressure
and they’re bound to take it out on those closest to them.
7.
BE THERE TO LISTEN IF THINGS HAVEN’T QUITE GONE TO PLAN
Teenagers can often catastrophise
when things haven’t quite gone as they’d hoped but its important to listen
& not belittle these claims but to try and rationalise them with them
without patronising them.
8.
REMIND THEM IT’S NORMAL TO FEEL STRONG EMOTIONS DURING THIS TIME SUCH AS
ANGER, ANXIETY & SADNESS
GCSE’S come when teenagers are
exactly at their height of raging hormones, mood swings, ongoing puberty and
high emotions which is a bad combination at the best of times. As a parent or
guardian it’s important to remind them that all these feelings are normal &
things do get easier. Teach them to take
deep breaths to calm themselves down and to speak to someone if they are
feeling stressed.
9.
YES, THEY NEED TO STUDY BUT DON’T PUT SO MUCH PRESSURE ON THEM THAT IT
TURNS INTO AN ARGUMENT
Of course we all want our teens to do
their very best in their exams and we have to encourage them to revise as much
as possible. However, too much pressure has a very negative effect and can end
up making them stop studying all together due to stress. Arguments occur under
these circumstances which aren’t healthy for anyone.
10.
ENCOURAGE & CHAMPION THEM ALL THE WAY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU’RE PROUD
OF THEM & YOU LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY
All teenagers have strengths &
weaknesses in different areas and, as long as they’ve worked as hard as they
can that’s all you can ask of them. Remind them how proud you are of them whatever
the outcome & how much you love them no matter what. Most importantly,
teach them to believe in themselves and that they’ve ‘got this’!
The following websites are designed
to help students with exam stress if they experience it.
www.aqa.org.uk/managingexamstress
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