Supporting Your Child With Their Exam Revision

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Exam season can be a stressful time – not just for pupils, but for their families too. As a parent or carer, you want to support your child to do their best without adding pressure. Creating the right environment, encouraging healthy habits, and offering emotional support can make all the difference. Here are some tips, inspired by the practices of this private school in Kent.

Create a Positive and Productive Environment

Start by ensuring your child has a quiet, organised space to revise in. A desk, good lighting, and limited distractions are key. Try to keep the area tidy and stocked with any necessary materials such as pens, highlighters, revision cards, and past papers.

Help them establish a revision timetable that breaks topics down into manageable chunks. Encourage short, focused sessions with regular breaks. Some students revise better in the morning, others in the afternoon or evening – work with your child to find what suits them best.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Good sleep, balanced meals, and regular physical activity all contribute to better concentration and memory. Late-night cramming may seem productive, but a tired brain won’t retain information well. Encourage a consistent sleep routine and plenty of water throughout the day.

Make sure revision is balanced with relaxation. Going for a walk, listening to music, or doing something creative can provide a welcome mental break.

Be Supportive, Not Stressful

Your role is to support and encourage, not to teach the content. Try not to quiz your child unless they ask you to. Instead, offer to help them test themselves with flashcards, practise exam questions, or talk through topics to reinforce their understanding.

Avoid comparing them to siblings or classmates – everyone learns differently. Praise their effort rather than just their results, and remind them that exams are only one part of their journey.

Know When to Step Back

It can be tempting to get heavily involved in your child’s revision, especially if they seem unmotivated. But too much interference can backfire. If your child is resisting help, it might be their way of taking ownership of their revision.

If you’re concerned they’re not doing enough, try asking open questions like “How are you feeling about this subject?” or “Is there anything you’re finding particularly tricky?” A calm, non-judgmental conversation can be more effective than repeated reminders.

Offer Emotional Reassurance

It’s natural for young people to feel anxious about exams. Let them know that nerves are normal and that you’re proud of them no matter what. Encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling and remind them that their mental wellbeing is more important than any grade.

If anxiety becomes overwhelming or starts affecting their day-to-day life, don’t hesitate to seek extra support – whether through school, a GP, or a counsellor.

By offering structure, encouragement, and emotional reassurance, you can help your child feel more confident and in control during exam season. Your calm presence and positive attitude might be just what they need to thrive.