Exam results : supporting your child
Posted in Parents
Thursday 6 May 2010
In Articles
Waiting for those anticipated exam results can be a stressful time for all. Find out how you can support your child and our tips for handling exam results here...
Immediately after the hard work and pressure of exams, parents and young people may feel relieved and relaxed.
This may soon give way to an even more stressful period - waiting for and dealing with exam results. This stage can be more uncomfortable than the exams themselves because parents and young people feel helpless. Before or during the exams they could at least do something but now they can only wait.
Children may get caught up in endless repetitions of regret and recrimination, going over what they did or failed to do and how they might have done it differently.
Parents may be uncertain as to whether it would be better to discuss what to do when the results arrive or leave well alone. Everyone may walk around 'on eggshells' and when the results do come out, can feel too exhausted to celebrate or regroup.
Parents should recognise that to feel on edge and unhappy is a natural response to the situation. Parents need to feel able to talk with their children about their feelings, the choices and options facing them, and to feel supported by the school or by other advisors in doing the best for their children.
Parents can ring Parentline, free on 0808 800 2222, open 24 hours every day, for support and ideas on where to get more help.
Groups and workshops give you the opportunity to share your experiences with other parents and to get some fresh ideas on how to help you and your children make the most of life.
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