UK schools have only just headed back for their new school year, yet for those in year 11, thoughts are already turning to next year’s GCSES’s. With many students now practicing test papers, some are even planning their revision timetables!
As a parent, you will want to make this revision period as calm and productive as possible. However, there is an underlying worry of placing too much pressure on your child during this difficult time. Whilst each child will study in the way which works best for them, there are a few tips that can help parents get through this time, hopefully coming out the other end in one piece!
Communicate with Your Child
Though some teenagers may not want to be constantly reminded of their impending exams, especially after a hard school day, it is essential to keep the lines of communication open at home. Often this is the time when some children clam up, taking everything upon themselves and forgetting to talk to those closest.
Try to sit down early and discuss a rough plan of how your child can look at approaching their revision. Whilst many may not have started yet, it is a good idea to get some confirmation that they will at some point have a plan of action – not one that involves cramming a few days before the exams!
Offer What You Can
Take it upon yourself to look at any potential problems that may crop up when revision begins. Though we shouldn’t expect to wrap our children up in cotton wool at the expense of other family members, this is perhaps the one time when we can all show a little more leniency.
- Does your child have a room of their own to study, or could they have the use of one for an hour or two each evening?
- Do they need access to a PC and, if so, can this be monitored?
- Will they need your help, or additional help, for some parts of the revision process?
- Will they need totally quietness, or do they prefer some background noise as they study?
Talk to Other Family Members
Discuss with other family members and explain the upcoming months, especially if you’ve got younger children around. That way when the dreaded stress-head hits your teenager, at least the house would have had a pre-warning!
Above all, just be there as much as you can for your child. You may not have all the answers, but sometimes just a friendly face is what they need at times like these. Failing that, remember this stage will be over before you know it!
