Last Updated on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 by Lavania Oluban
Exams can be a stressful time for children and young people, and as a parent, it can be difficult to know how best to support them. While a little stress can act as motivation, too much can feel overwhelming and affect performance. The good news is, with the right strategies and encouragement, you can help your child manage exam stress in a healthy way. Read on for some tips from a private school in Birmingham.
1. Encourage Healthy Routines
Good habits play a huge role in reducing stress. Encourage your child to:
• Get enough sleep – rest improves memory, concentration, and mood.
• Eat balanced meals – avoid excessive sugar or energy drinks, and provide brain-boosting foods like fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains.
• Stay active – even a short walk, some stretching, or a bit of exercise can relieve stress and boost energy levels.
2. Create a Calm Study Environment
Help your child set up a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions. Having all the necessary resources (pens, notebooks, revision cards) close by prevents procrastination and builds focus.
3. Promote Balance with Breaks
Remind your child that revision should be balanced with downtime. Encourage short breaks during study sessions and make sure they take time to relax with hobbies, friends, or family. Overworking can lead to burnout, while breaks refresh the mind.
4. Teach Stress-Management Techniques
Simple techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or light meditation can help your child calm down before and during exams. Even short “reset” moments can make a big difference.
5. Offer Reassurance and Perspective
Sometimes children feel pressure to achieve “perfect” results. Remind them that:
• Effort matters more than perfection.
• Exams are important, but they don’t define their entire future.
• Whatever the outcome, you’ll be proud of their hard work.
Your calm reassurance can ease their fears and give them the confidence to do their best.
6. Be Supportive, Not Pressuring
Stay interested in their progress, but avoid adding pressure by constantly asking about results. Instead, ask how they’re feeling, listen without judgment, and celebrate small wins in revision.
7. Know When to Seek Extra Help
If stress seems overwhelming, causing physical symptoms like headaches, trouble sleeping, or ongoing anxiety, it may be time to seek extra support. A teacher, school counsellor, or GP can provide further guidance.
Supporting your child through exam season is about striking the right balance; encouraging good routines and focus, while also protecting their wellbeing. With your reassurance and a calm, structured environment, your child will feel more confident and better prepared to face their exams.
