Exam season is here!
Whether they are charging ahead or silently shutting down, this season brings pressure for everyone under your roof.
It’s a stressful few weeks. But it’s also a chance for you to set the tone. Not by fixing everything, but by becoming a calm, steady presence in the chaos.
Here’s what can really help your teen right now
1. Take a breath. You're the grown-up.
Yes, you’re allowed to feel worried. But remember you get to lead the emotional atmosphere at home. If your stress, frustration or anxiety leaks out, it adds to theirs. Before you react to a messy room, skipped revision session or snapped comment, pause and ask:
“Is this my stress, or theirs?”
Try not to take it personally. Most tension in this season is just nerves not disrespect.
2. Don't argue. This isn't the time for battles.
This is not the moment to win power struggles over chores, screen time or who left the milk out. Let it go unless it really matters. Prioritise peace over perfection. You can come back to household rules after exams.
3. Make their life3. Make their life easier, not to spoil them, but to support them.
Now’s the time to:
Offer to make them breakfast, even if they “should” be able to do it themselves.
Let them sleep in a bit longer if they’re exhausted.
Pick up slack where needed, their brain is working overtime already.
You’re not babying them. You’re giving their nervous system a break. Small acts of care say: I’ve got you.
4. Keep your expectations low and your encouragement high.
A kind word after an exam (“You did your best — that’s enough”) will land far better than a checklist of what they forgot.
Avoid comments like:
“You should’ve revised more for that one.”
“Told you staying up late would backfire.”
Instead try:
“Proud of how hard you’re trying.”
"One more done, you are doing so well"
5. Watch out for overwhelm (in you and them).
Tears, silence, arguments, eye rolls, even withdrawal, it’s often not attitude, but overwhelm.
Before reacting, ask yourself:
“Is this a moment for discipline or for support?”
Nine times out of ten, the answer right now is support.
6. Let them off the hook (for now).
Yes, they still need to be respectful. But now is not the time to enforce every household rule with military precision. If they didn’t unload the dishwasher or left lights on again take a breath. This isn’t forever. It’s just a season. Let them focus their energy where it’s needed.
7. Offer calm, not commentary.
Avoid asking too many questions after each exam. Give them space to decompress before they give you the blow-by-blow.
Try instead:
“Glad that one’s done - want a snack or need a nap?”
“We can talk about it when you’re ready.”
8. Keep connection easy and pressure-free.
Make space for moments that aren’t about exams...watch TV together, quick trip to Costa or McDonalds, listen to music. It reminds them life goes on and they are more than just a set of grades.
Most of all, remind them: their value isn't in their results.
GCSEs are important...yes. But your child is still growing, still learning, still becoming. Their worth is not up for debate based on a paper.
We know this but your teens have had this drummed in for the last two years from teachers, they need to know that they will succeed regardless of these results - THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!
If you are worried about your teens anxiety, worry or overwhelm or if you'd like tips and strategies on how to get your teen to revise or even turn up to their exam please
Wishing your household as much calm, sleep and cereal as possible in the coming weeks.
Until next time,
Laura
