{"id":13271,"date":"2023-04-19T09:57:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T09:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=13271"},"modified":"2023-04-19T09:57:36","modified_gmt":"2023-04-19T09:57:36","slug":"how-to-be-supportive-during-exam-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/parents\/how-to-be-supportive-during-exam-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Get prepped: how to be supportive during exam time (without nagging)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exam season can be stressful for teens and parents alike, and finding a healthy balance between supporting and hounding them through revision can be tough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although recent research<\/a> found that nagging could help children become more successful in the future, it might not help to create the healthiest relationship with your teen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a difference between incessant nagging and setting guidelines and establishing goals,\u201d says neuropsychologist Dr Sanam Hafeez, who co-led the study. \u201cWhen parents nag too much, children decide they can\u2019t do anything right, so they might as well stop trying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our Get Prepped series<\/strong> this month, we share 11 ways you support your teens before, during and after exams, without compounding the stress they may already be going through.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before exams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Help them create a revision timetable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your teen might need help structuring their days and creating a revision timetable, so find a good template and offer your help. You could also create a large wall calendar to help them keep track. Then, crucially, trust them to stick to it. Try checking in with them occasionally, but also encourage them to take regular breaks like going outside for a walk and seeing friends, to help them strike a balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Source a tutor to help with revision<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A great way of making sure your teen covers the topics they need is by sourcing them help, rather than nagging your way through it. A private tutor<\/a> can personalise sessions, help them fill topic area gaps and work with them on specific exam techniques, so you can rest easy.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During exams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

3. Be there to talk to<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your teen might find it overwhelming if you\u2019re always checking in to see whether they\u2019re okay. So, try setting aside one-to-one time at dinner, in the car or on walks and make it clear that they can talk to you about any worries as they come up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Introduce de-stress activities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When they\u2019re in the thick of it, exam stress<\/a> can build up. They might not have tried mindful or grounding activities<\/a> before, so you could try a few with them, like meditation, journalling or walking in nature. This can help to show your teen that stress affects everyone and certain activities can help them build resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Watch your words<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a fine line between supporting and pressuring, and around this time it can be helpful for you to talk to your teen as positively as possible. Try little encouraging nudges like: \u2018Remember how good it makes you feel when you get your revision done before dinner,\u2019 or \u2018I can see how much effort you\u2019re putting in and I\u2019m proud of you.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.<\/strong> Be a little more flexible<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your child is revising all day and sitting exams, now\u2019s the time to cut them a little slack. Try not to worry about untidy bedrooms or household jobs. Staying calm yourself can help and remember that exams don\u2019t last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


When they\u2019ve had a tough exam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

7. Ask them how you can help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most helpful thing you can ask anyone (not just your teen) who is struggling is: \u2018how can I help you?\u2019 If they\u2019ve struggled during an exam, hear them out before diving into \u2018fix things\u2019. Sometimes, they may need you to help problem-solve, but a lot of the time they\u2019ll need you just to listen or give them a hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Give them space<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your teen doesn\u2019t love opening up but you can tell that an exam hasn\u2019t gone swimmingly, give them some breathing room. Let them switch off after exams by watching their favourite show or taking a long bath. Avoid asking them too many specific questions and just let them know you\u2019re there. Read 5 more ways to support your teen when exams don\u2019t go well here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


After exams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

9. Plan a treat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s their favourite day out, a trip to the cinema or just making their favourite meal, plan some fun time after their exams to help them blow off steam. They don\u2019t need grand gestures, just time to remember that there\u2019s more to life than grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Help them enjoy the in-between time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As humans, we tend to be really bad at allowing ourselves to bask in the moment. It\u2019s an art, but encourage your teen to really drink in the idea of no more exams (for a while)! <\/strong>Help them take time to wind down and savour this in-between moment where the pressure\u2019s off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Accept their feelings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once exams are over, your teen might feel a whole mix of emotions. Try to accept these, whatever they are \u2013\u00a0disappointment, embarrassment, pride, relief. There\u2019ll be plenty of time between now and results time to take stock and talk next steps.

Taking a more supportive and less unrelenting approach when it comes to helping your teens through exams could really pay off. Not only will they feel less pressured, but more validated when stress runs high or things go wrong. Setting guidelines and checking in are a good idea \u2013 incessant nagging perhaps not.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to find a tutor who can support before and during exams? Find the right tutor for your teen <\/strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exam season can be stressful for teens and parents alike, and finding a healthy balance between supporting and hounding them through revision can be tough.  Although recent research found that nagging could help children become more successful in the future,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":13272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[299,788],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to be supportive during exam time | MyTutor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We share how to be supportive during exam time, but also before and after. 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