Exam stress: How parents can help

While we are all aware the exam period is a busy time for our children some find it a greater battle than others.

Although this is often from a learning perspective, many also struggle to cope emotionally and require support in the home as well as in the classroom.

Research by Samaritans shows that the pressure to achieve high marks is one of the biggest worries for nearly a third (30%) of young people aged 18-24. Exams can bring a whirlwind of emotions from panic and fear of failure to anxiety about the future, and it is important for them to know they are not alone.

Your children may find it hard to approach you as a parent.  However, it is important that they know you are there to listen as it can help to talk things through and personal experience can be of great encouragement and comfort. 

If your kids come to you for advice and you are worried, then youth mental health expert, Dr Mike Shooter has some useful points to remember: helping your children to prepare well in advance is key.  Draw up a revision plan together, making sure it is broken into manageable chunks. Most importantly, check that they are eating and drinking properly – they will need to keep their energy levels up!

If you want to join in a discussion on how you can help your children, then log onto this live webTV show where Dr Mike Shooter Samaritans’ trustee and student Edel Buggy who did her A-levels last year will be offering their advice and support.

Dr Mike Shooter and Edel Buggy will be live online on Thursday 27th May at 7pm to discuss exam stress at:
studiotalk.tv/chat/exams_how_you_can_help

For more information or help and support 24/7 visit: samaritans.org