HELP FOR PARENTS DURING EXAM SEASON

Whether it is the UK's SATs or GCSEs, or A Levels here are some resources for you to remain calm.

Exams are not the be all and end all of life, this we know. But as we’re about to head into exam season (my 10 year old is taking her SATs at junior school this week and my 18 year old is doing her A Levels) you may all be wondering how to help them through.

I have filmed an instagram with with adolescent mental health expert Dr Tara Porter on exams which is full of specific tips including why the length of time they revise is irrelevant: Dr Porter's tips . And last year I also talked to clinical psychologist Lisa Damour live about exam stress on instagram so scroll back for that one. Her website is full of helpful advice on stress and helping support your teens. Dr Lisa Damour

Here are some more resources which may be useful for you now but remember just being there, relaxing around your children and listening to not ‘solving’ their problems is really supportive parenting:

The teen Coach - specific revision tips

I have spent a bit of time with Elizabeth who runs this website which may help if you are worried about phone sue during exam time: Digital parent coach

Feeding teens well during exam time; Sam Perkins website will guide you Happy Eaters

I also advise that relatives outside the immediate family go gently when asking how things are going on the exam front and also know from experts that some children, particularly younger ones, may regress a little during this time. Reading books at bed times, digging out favourite toys could be useful, those family rituals they grew out of may prove helpful during revision days. And please don’t accidentally compare siblings results, it’s quite upsetting for them even done in jest.

And a quick reminder that neurologically teens don’t see the mess in their rooms, so don’t be worrying about that right now! This piece explains why you may be best to back off on the tidying up front especially during exam time: read here: Teen Tips

This is just a quick list for you but look at charities like The Mix for more help, Instagram has quite a few lives on the subject with experts.

And I tackle it with other experts in my teen parenting book Mum What’s Wrong You? read here