Ah, summer. Bright days and long evenings. Whilst we often have nostalgia for the summers of childhood, the reality is that for many children the summer triggers stress and anxiety. Why? Because it also brings exams. Whether it’s SATs, entrance exams, GCSEs, A levels, or end of year tests, throughout May and June our young people will be being assessed. And many of them will be concerned about how well they will do, stressed about revision, and panicking about results.
It’s no wonder they get worried. Whether it’s getting into a school or university of choice, or just feeling like you’ve made the grade and done your best for the year, there can be a lot riding on them. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
As a parent, you can help make this time easier. Provide a space for them to revise in and a routine to follow. But make sure there’s time for play and rest too. It doesn’t help to be working at all hours. So plenty of breaks and time to relax, ideally as a family so that they know you are there for them, are necessary and important.
Keep talking. Connection and communication are crucial to healthy family relationships. If young people feel they can’t talk to their parents, they may become more tense and anxious. And talk to your children about things other than exams. Don’t ignore the fact that they are happening, but don’t make them the only focus of your child’s life.
Support your children to do their best – even if that doesn’t mean being the best. An ‘A’ for effort is more important than a 100% pass rate. It’s crucial that, while recognising the importance of the exams and tests, that we don’t put additional pressure on our children. Let them know that the result of this assessment doesn’t define who they are. They are still the same person, with the same wonderful qualities and personality. They are still good enough.
With the right balance of hard work and important rest, communication and support, all children have the opportunity to do their very best this exam period.
And enjoy a well earned break in the summer. Let’s help them to enjoy it.
If you want to know more about how I can help you and your child, get in touch.