{"id":10116,"date":"2023-07-25T19:24:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T19:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10116"},"modified":"2023-07-25T19:31:32","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T19:31:32","slug":"support-your-teen-before-during-and-after-results-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/parents\/support-your-teen-before-during-and-after-results-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Results day: How to support your teen before, during and after"},"content":{"rendered":"

Results day is always an emotional time for teens \u2013 and parents. You might want to make their worries about the future disappear, but it\u2019s hard to know how. There could be a lot of unknowns for you to work out together too \u2013\u00a0like what happens if they don\u2019t get the grades they were expecting. Can they still go to uni or study the subjects they want? What options have they got?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a lot to take in. So, to help you through, we\u2019ve pulled together our top tips on supporting your teen before, during and after results day.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to prepare your teen before results day<\/h2>\n

In the weeks before they get their results, your teen will be feeling worried for a whole host of reasons. Will they get the grades they want? Will you be disappointed? If they\u2019ve applied to uni,\u00a0 will they get in? It\u2019s not hard to see why all these worries can feel overwhelming. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Reassure them that they can’t disappoint you<\/b><\/h3>\n

Part of their anxiety might be about disappointing you (even if they haven\u2019t said so). Remind your teen that you\u2019ll support them whatever grades they get, as it can help take the pressure off. You could also remind them of all the things they\u2019re good at beyond just academic performance. It\u2019s about helping them get perspective and building up their confidence<\/a> before the big day.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Remind them that setbacks are normal<\/b><\/h3>\n

Teens often feel like they\u2019re not good enough \u2013 especially when things don\u2019t go as planned. The good news is that you can help them see setbacks in a different light. The key is changing the story they\u2019ve learned about mistakes and failures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of: \u2018I must not make mistakes\u2019 or \u2018If I make mistakes then I\u2019m a failure\u2019 help them see mistakes as a completely normal part of learning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can help to reframe their thoughts by sharing stories of your own setbacks with them. Or, if it feels right, you could share stories about famous people who\u2019ve made mistakes or had setbacks, which actually led them to <\/span>better things<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Let them know there’s always a plan B<\/h3>\n

A lot of the time, plan B turns out to be much better than plan A! That was the case for our tutor Tommy who had to <\/span>pick a uni through Clearing<\/span><\/a> \u2013 it ended up being the best thing to happen to him. He loved Leeds and really enjoyed his course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let your teen know that if they don\u2019t get the grades they were hoping for, it doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t go to uni. You can remind them if they\u2019re really unhappy with their results that they\u2019ll have the chance to <\/span>resit the exam<\/span><\/a> next term too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to chat about other options that are out there, like doing an <\/span>apprenticeship<\/span><\/a>. They can earn a degree and get work experience at top companies like Google and Rolls-Royce without facing a mountain of debt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we all know, life comes with twists and turns. It will really help to explain that they\u2019ve always got choices.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Encourage them to do fun summer activities.<\/h3>\n

Worrying about results day won\u2019t make it come around any sooner. Planning fun summer activities can help to distract your teen. Encourage them to see friends, go to the cinema or head outside for walks and adventures together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The night before results day, make sure your teen has plenty of <\/span>good quality sleep<\/span><\/a>. The last thing they need is to feel tired on top of their worries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to support your teen on results day<\/h2>\n

You can find out from your child\u2019s school exactly how they\u2019ll be getting their results. This could be by email or post as well as in person, so it\u2019s best to check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Have a plan for the day<\/h3>\n

Give them as much control as possible on the day. Little things like asking them what they want for breakfast, and what they\u2019d like to do before and after getting their results can help them feel in control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If they need to go into the school to pick them up and they\u2019re already feeling worried about their results, it might be best to go in early. This way they can get what they need and leave quickly if they don\u2019t want to share their results with other teens in their year.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Have a results day checklist<\/b><\/h3>\n

There are a few technical things to double-check like making sure they have the right login details and timings for their results, so it\u2019s best to make a checklist.<\/span><\/p>\n