4 Ways Parents Can Help Teenagers Deal with GCSE Stress
During the GCSE exam period, your child will be having to deal with more tests than ever before. With multiple exams covering each subject, it’s no surprise that many students find it difficult to deal with the stress. While you can’t revise or take the exams for them, you can do everything in your power to keep them from getting too wound up.
Here are just four ways you can help.
- Watch for Common Warning Signs
First and foremost, you need to know what to look out for. Teenagers tend to be a rather surly bunch at the best of times, but particular signs of stress might include:
- Changing in eating or sleeping habits
- Low mood
- Low Confidence
- Recurring nausea or headaches
- Skin breakouts.
- Book a Break
One of the reasons children tend to struggle with the GCSE exam period is that it goes on for a long time; it isn’t unusual for several weeks to pass before the first and last exams. If your child has more than a week between two exams, consider taking them away for the day to let them have a break, let off some steam, and forget about their exams.
- Help Them Learn
It’s often a lot easier to become stressed when you’re working alone, so make sure you take the time to revise with your children. You can even use teaching resource websites to help you, as they provide handy resource guides that are perfect to work through with your child. Look for interactive resources that can make revision a little more engaging.
- Take Care of the Small Stuff
During the exam season, it’s a good idea to cut your child a little slack when it comes to their regular chores. If you can, try making things easier by taking care of some of those chores yourself. Additionally, make sure that all the small things are taken care of on the day of each exam. Make some food or provide lunch money, lay out clothes, and see if they want to be dropped at school instead of walking or taking public transportation.
