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Writer's picturePhilippa DC

Practical Tips for Parents to Manage Exam Stress

Updated: Aug 2

Tips for Parents to Reduce Exam Stress


As a parent, navigating your teen's academic journey can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Exam stress can be a huge challenge, impacting not only your child but the entire family dynamic. Feeling overwhelmed by how to manage this stress? You want to support them, but how can you offer the right kind of help, without adding to their stress levels? Or yours! This guide provides essential parent tips to help you navigate exam season effectively and become a source of calm and support for your child.



How do you deal with a child who procrastinates and gets defensive when you nag them about revising?

Or what if you have one child who is studious and organised, and another who leaves revision to cramming at the last minute?

Believe me, I've been there and can relate. It's not easy being a parent at exam time!


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It is important to acknowledge that every student copes with stress and indeed exams differently. Tailoring your support to your teen's unique needs and preferences can make a significant difference in how they navigate exam season.



 


In this guide, we will explore effective and practical strategies for navigating exam stress effectively, and tips on how to transform your parent role from onlooker to cheerleader. We'll look at techniques for creating a calm study environment, developing healthy habits, and helping your child approach exams with confidence.



Group of high school students coming out of school after exams


Understanding Exam Stress


Exams are a crucial part of every student's life, but they can also be a significant source of stress and anxiety. Your teen may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even experiencing physical symptoms due to the pressure of exams. For parents - it's important to recognize these signs and provide the necessary support and guidance.




Building a Strong Foundation: Effective Study Habits


When it comes to helping children succeed academically, parents play a crucial role as they can serve as a valuable resource and guide during exam preparation and help combat stress.


While this guide focuses on your role as a supportive parent, it's important to lay the foundations for good study habits early on. Here's how you can guide your child:


  • Planning and Scheduling: Encourage your child to create a study plan well in advance of exams. This will help them structure their time effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.

  • Active Learning: Discourage passive studying, such as rereading notes. Instead, suggest active learning techniques such as practice tests or past papers, flashcards, and self-testing.

  • Spaced Repetition: Introduce the concept of spaced repetition which involves reviewing material at increasing intervals to consolidate memory retention. There are many spaced repetition apps and software programs available to help.


Revision Apps:


This free, open-source software is a powerhouse in the world of spaced repetition. It allows extensive customisation and creation of flashcards, with a large community offering pre-made decks for various subjects.



A widely used app with a focus on flashcards and gamification elements. It has both free and paid levels, with some pre-built decks available.

 



This app focuses on visual learning and spaced repetition, offering features such as spaced repetition algorithms and mind maps. It has both free and paid levels.



Remember to choose an app or program that matches your child's learning style and preferences. It may be helpful to let them explore a few options and see which one works best for them.


 

Creating a Supportive Environment


Your child's physical and emotional welfare is of paramount importance during exam season, and your role as a parent is to manage their wellbeing from the sidelines. Here are some tips to create a stress-free and supportive environment:


  • Dedicated Study Space: Help your child create a clean, quiet, and well-lit study area with minimal distractions. Check out our blog and download our FREE checklist to help you set up a productive study space.

  • Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced routine of regular nutritious meals, exercise, and adequate sleep. No energy drinks, fast food, or sugary snacks! A healthy body makes for a sharper mind.

  • Minimize Distractions: Set limits on screen time, gaming, and social media use during dedicated study periods. Read our 7 Effective Study Tips for Students.

  • Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express any anxiety and concerns. Active listening and offering emotional support are key!



Students sitting at individual desks in a classroom


Practical Tips for Exam Week


As the exams approach, the focus shifts from absorbing new information to consolidating knowledge and managing pre-exam anxiety. Here's how you can make a difference:


  • Review Strategies: Talk to your child about their preferred revision methods. This could be reviewing past papers, summarising key points on a cheat sheet, creating mind maps or Q&As on revision cards. In my family, we used to go through revision cards on the school run in the morning and evening, with a different topic each day in the run-up to exams, and then the exam topic on the day.

  • Mock Exams: Try simulating exam conditions by setting timed practice sessions. This will help them to learn how to manage time effectively, assign sufficient time per question (keeping an eye on the clock) and identify areas for improvement.

  • Prepare for the Unexpected: Help them pack everything they need for the exam the night before and leave the backpack by the front door. Include extra pens, a watch (not an Apple watch), healthy snacks, and a water bottle (with the label removed).




The Night Before the Exam


The night before an exam can be the most emotional time for your child. Here's how you can create a calming pre-exam routine for your child:


  • Minimise distractions: Encourage them to start reviewing material early in the evening and set a cut-off time to avoid last-minute cramming and exhaustion. Create an uncluttered study environment by tidying up the study area beforehand. This can help them concentrate better and avoid distractions.

  • Dinner and Relaxation: Prepare a balanced, healthy meal and encourage relaxing activities such as walking the dog or watching a movie together. Choose activities that promote calm and help them unwind before bed.

  • Quality Sleep: Make sure they get a good night's sleep by setting a lights-out time and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid stress or demands – this is NOT the time to nag them about loading the dishwasher or tidying up their bedroom. If these are sensitive issues, heightened emotions will only increase your child’s anxiety and risk of mental block. Consider offering to help them do these tasks earlier in the day or at a less stressful time.


Exam Day Essentials


On the day of the exam, small gestures can make a big difference:


  • Prepare a nutritious breakfast to fuel their brain for the exam.

  • Offer words of encouragement (positive reinforcement!) and express your confidence in their abilities.

  • Make sure they have everything they need and, if necessary, they are able to deal with any last-minute concerns.



Student sitting at table revising for exams

Remember, You're Not Alone


Exam season can be challenging for both parents and children. Here are some additional parent-to-parent tips:


  • Manage your own anxiety: Your calm can be contagious (as can your stress level!). Take care of yourself and do not project your worries onto your child.

  • Focus on effort, not results: Instead of fixating on grades, emphasise the value of hard work and dedication.

  • Seek professional help: If your child is experiencing overwhelming anxiety that is interfering with their daily life, consider consulting a therapist or tutor who can help with test anxiety.



 


Best Tips and Strategies for Parents to Manage Exam Stress and a Supportive Environment


Exam season can be challenging for both parents and children. Here are our best parent-to-parent tips to manage stress and an optimal study environment:


  1. Manage your own anxiety: Your calm can be contagious (as can your stress level!). Take care of yourself and do not project your worries onto your child.

  2. Focus on effort, not results: Instead of fixating on grades, emphasise the value of hard work and dedication.

  3. Seek professional help: If your child is experiencing overwhelming anxiety that is interfering with their daily life, consider consulting a therapist or tutor who can help with test anxiety.

  4. Maintain a balanced lifestyle: Help your teen by encouraging regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These habits can significantly impact their stress levels and overall wellbeing.

  5. Be an Active Listener: Create a supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing their concerns and fears about exams. Active listening and providing reassurance can go a long way in easing their stress.

  6. Be realistic: While it's natural to want your child to excel academically, it's crucial to set realistic expectations. Remind them that their worth is not solely defined by their exam results.

  7. Create a supportive environment: Offer practical assistance such as creating a study schedule, providing a quiet study area using our free study space checklist, or helping them review challenging topics. Your involvement shows your commitment to their success.


Navigating exam stress as a parent requires patience, empathy, and proactive support. Being present for your child during this time is more important than perfection. Your unwavering support and encouragement will leave a lasting impact on their academic journey and overall wellbeing.


By following these tips and maintaining a good, open communication with your child, you can turn exam season from a stressful ordeal into a manageable challenge.



 

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