The revision timetable is on the wall, but your child is staring at the first task. Before offering another reminder, ask what would make starting easier: help choosing a topic, a quieter space or a short break?
1. Agree the next small step
Ask your child where they feel stuck. Help them choose a manageable task, such as one practice question or reviewing one topic, with a planned break. Involve them in the timetable rather than monitoring every minute. If schoolwork is inaccessible or an adjustment is needed, contact the school early.
2. Protect ordinary care
Keep meals, sleep and rest in the day. Make water available, but do not prescribe the same number of litres for every child: needs vary with age, activity, weather and health. Follow any individual clinical advice. Avoid energy drinks and do not treat juice as a necessary revision aid.
A late-night revision session can look productive while leaving a child exhausted the next day. Agree a stopping time and leave room to wind down.
3. Leave space for movement and connection
Ask what kind of break feels helpful. A walk, stretching, music, a brief chat or a familiar game may fit. Adapt movement to your child’s access needs. Breaks should not become another performance target or something they must earn by getting every answer right.
4. Lower the pressure in your words
Try, “What help would you like today?” rather than “How many hours have you done?” Avoid comparisons with siblings or classmates. Let your child know that one result does not decide their worth or your relationship.
After an exam, ask whether they want to talk about it. You can listen without replaying every answer. Then turn towards the next practical step or something ordinary you can enjoy together.
5. Take distress seriously
If worry or low mood is severe, continues or interferes with daily life, ask a qualified healthcare professional for help and work with the school. Do not dismiss persistent distress as simply exam nerves. If your child is at immediate risk of harm or cannot stay safe, seek urgent local care.
When the exams finish, make room for rest before discussing results or the next set of goals. Your support does not have to wait for a particular grade.
