With late-night study sessions, stress over grades, and balancing everything else, supporting your teen’s mental health during this time is just as important as helping them study.
While exam results can feel high-stakes, it’s crucial to remind your teen that their well-being comes first. Helping them manage stress and develop healthy study habits now will benefit them long after the exam season has passed.
Create a Supportive Study Environment
Start by ensuring your teen has a dedicated study space. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be quiet, free from distractions, and equipped with everything they need—like stationery, a water bottle, and a comfortable chair.
To keep their energy up, stock up on brain-boosting snacks like nuts, fruit, or smoothies. And remind them that regular breaks are part of the process! Encourage short, frequent breaks to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, or even just zone out for a few minutes. It’ll help them stay focused for longer.
Help with Study Techniques
Here are some practical ways you can assist:
- Flashcards & Quizzing: Help them by making or reviewing flashcards together. You can quiz them on key points or concepts, which reinforces what they’ve learned and shows them you’re on their team.
- Practice Tests: If they’re willing, print off past papers for them to practise with, or time their mock exams to help them get used to working under timed conditions.
- Mind Maps: Help them create visual aids like mind maps or diagrams. Some students process information better when it’s broken down visually, and it’s a fun way to revise tough topics.
- Checklists: Work together to create a revision schedule or checklist. Having a clear plan can reduce overwhelm and help them feel more in control of their progress.
GIVE THEM SPACE (If That’s What They Need)
While you might want to be super involved, some teens just need space. If your teen prefers to study on their own, respect that. Let them know you’re available if they need you, but also give them the independence to manage their own study time. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to show support.
Encourage Open Conversations
Talk to your teen about how they’re feeling. Do they seem overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? Let them know that it’s okay to feel this way and that you’re there to listen, not judge. Sometimes, acknowledging those feelings can make them more manageable. If they’re struggling, gently encourage them to seek help, whether it’s from you, a teacher, or a professional if needed.
ENCOURAGE SLEEP
Amid all the late-night study sessions, don’t forget that sleep is one of the most powerful tools for exam success. Sleep allows the brain to consolidate all the information your teen has been learning, helping to strengthen memory and improve problem-solving skills. Research shows that deep sleep, and REM sleep, are crucial for retaining knowledge and staying sharp under pressure. Encourage your teen to aim for 8-10 hours of rest each night—it will help them manage stress, stay focused, and perform better in exams.
ENCOURAGE EXERCISE
Exercise isn’t just good for the body—it’s great for the brain too! Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that enhance cognitive function and memory retention. Studies show that regular aerobic exercise actually helps grow new brain cells in the hippocampus, the area responsible for learning and memory. Plus, movement releases mood-boosting endorphins and lowers stress levels, helping your teen feel more relaxed and clear-headed. Encourage them to fit in just 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, whether it’s a walk, a run, or even dancing—it’s a simple way to boost both their mental health and exam performance.
Stay Calm and Positive
While it’s natural to feel anxious about how your teen will perform, staying calm and positive yourself will help them feel more at ease. Avoid adding pressure by focusing solely on results. Instead, celebrate the effort they’re putting in and remind them that their best is always enough. Positive reinforcement—like acknowledging when they’ve completed a tough study session or mastered a tricky topic—can boost their confidence.
