The parents' guide to exams: Stressed teens & bad exams

'I'm worried that they're not sleeping well'

Exam stress can often lead to poor sleep - especially the night before when they need it the most. Try to discourage them from late-night cramming as much as possible. It doesn't work and the sleep will be so much more valuable to them than that extra hour staring at a text book.

The night before a big test try to take them away from their studies mid evening and help them relax. Cook them their favourite dinner and put on a film to take their mind off their work so they can wind down before bed and get a good night's sleep.

'They've had a couple of exams already and they haven't gone very well'

It can be hard hearing that an exam's gone badly when you were really hoping they would ace it.

Try not to let your disappointment show - nothing will make them feel worse than they probably already do than seeing your face drop. Instead tell them that there's no point dwelling on it, try to cheer them up a bit and then help them focus on how they can turn the rest of them around.

All your child needs from you at this point is for you to remain positive. All you can do is to tell them not to give up and concentrate on what's ahead.

'They've just been sat in their room for months, it's not healthy'

If your teen's taking their exams very seriously, then that's good but make sure they're not going overboard. For those kids that are really academic the stress that goes with being really desperate to succeed can sometimes be too much.

Regular breaks are important to give their brain a rest, otherwise the ability to learn and remember things rapidly decreases. It can also help to get them out the house. Even if they moan about it, drag them to the park or the shops with you just for a change of scenery.

Where to next?

- How to spot a stressed teen
- Self help techniques for teens
- 'Our son was terrified of letting us down'
- Exploring your child's career options

By Charlotte Gunn