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July 25.2025

2 Minutes Read

How to support your child with their exams: Essential tips for parents

Young woman reading in a library, supporting your child with their exams.

Understand the pressure they face

Exam time can feel overwhelming for students in Leicestershire. They're not just studying—they're juggling expectations, worried about college placements, and measuring up to peers. It's crucial to listen without judgment when they voice their anxieties. Encouraging dialogue about these feelings creates a safe space for them to vent and can alleviate some of that immense pressure.

Create a positive study environment

Your child's environment can significantly impact their ability to concentrate during revision. Ensure their study area is tidy, well-lit, and free from distractions—phones belong in another room. You can even explore apps that limit social media use if distractions are too tempting. Empowerment through a suitable study habitat can make a world of difference.

Help them plan and organise

Time management is a game changer. Collaborate with your child to build a realistic revision timetable. By segmenting their tasks and inserting regular breaks into the schedule, you help foster a sense of control. Focus on prioritising tricky subjects first, but be wary of overloading them.

Provide healthy fuel

What they consume matters. Stocking their snacks with fruits, nuts, and whole grains offers the energy boost they need. Balanced meals can support concentration, while limiting sugar and caffeine helps to prevent mood swings and crashes.

Encourage rest and sleep

Don’t let them underestimate the power of sleep. It's crucial for memory retention and mental wellbeing. Insist on a regular sleep routine, avoiding screens right before bedtime to improve sleep quality. The goal is restorative sleep—not late-night cramming.

Be a calming influence

Anxiety can be contagious. By staying calm and positive, you can influence their mindset. Shift from focusing on grades to celebrating efforts. Acts of kindness, like preparing their favourite meal or suggesting breaks for fresh air, can mean a lot in times of stress. They need to know you’re in their corner.

Talk about managing stress

Teach them how to handle that exam stress. Simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help them deal with anxiety. Remind them that nerves can even sharpen focus—it's all part of the process.

Keep perspective

Remind them that exam results don’t define their worth. While important, exams are merely stepping stones in their journey. Celebrate their hard work and resilience, regardless of the final outcomes.

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How to support your child with their exams: Essential tips for parents

Understand the pressure they face

Create a positive study environment

Help them plan and organise

Provide healthy fuel

Encourage rest and sleep

Be a calming influence

Talk about managing stress

Keep perspective

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