If you have teenagers writing GCSE’s or A levels at the moment chances are you are dealing with some different dynamics in the house.

There are a few things to remember as you navigate this time with your child.

Everyone learns in a different way. If your child isn’t revising the same way you did at school, this doesn’t mean they aren’t revising! If they are focused and showing discipline – don’t interfere with their preferred way of studying.
If they are battling and can’t seem to focus/revise without getting distracted, you may need to offer some help. Perhaps help them draw up a revision timetable? There are lots of online tools for this like: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/g/planner

Have they managed to access online help/resources? Have you tried:-

https://senecalearning.com/ (full GCSE syllabus online revision help)

https://www.bbc.com/education/levels/z98jmp3 (stacks of quizzes to help with revision)

https://www.educake.co.uk/ (science revision)

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=primrose+kitten (Primrose Kitten on youtube has lots of help for revision)

https://evernote.com/ (fantastic online tool for making notes)

These exams are really challenging over a long, sustained period that will tax and strain even the most diligent of students. So, as parents, perhaps this is the time to lay off the rules a bit and ease up on the demands and requirements in the house.

Let their bed stay unmade – or make it for them!
Hang up their clothes for them or let that pile grow with no nagging from you
Bring them a cup of hot chocolate while they’re studying
Keep them hydrated with water and a few snacks
Make sure they take breaks and get some fresh air and stretch their necks
Above all – let them feel care for and supported by you
Let them focus on the big stuff (their exams) and you try and make the other parts of their lives a bit easier.
Give them something to look forward to when their exams are finished (a holiday/treat/special outing/gift?)

You can go 'back to normal' when the exams are over!

Remember – you want to try and avoid undue stress. Exam stress is created by fear (not knowing the work) and guilt (I haven’t done enough revision). So if you can support your child to tick these 2 boxes – you will be doing a lot to help reduce their stress with their exams.

If you are worried about your child or their stress levels – get help. Contact your GP or:-

http://www.studentminds.org.uk/examstress.html

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-stress/

Best of luck to all your children with their exams….