Well, here we are – exam season has officially begun! Across Wales, students have sharpened their pencils (or more likely, checked their calculator batteries!) and stepped into their GCSE and A-Level exams. If you’ve got a teen sitting exams this summer, you’ll know exactly how much effort, emotion and revision have gone into reaching this point.
We just wanted to say a big pob lwc (good luck!) to every single student starting their exams this month. Rebecca and Caitlyn start their GCSEs and A-Levels this week. Whether it’s your first paper or your final push before uni, you’ve already done something incredible – so give yourself some credit.
From one parent to another, I know how it feels to live through revision season… the highs, the lows, and the ever-growing mug collection on your teen’s desk!
To help keep things calm and positive in your home, I’ve put together a little list of gentle reminders and tips for the coming weeks. Hope it helps.
10 Tips to Help Teens (and Parents) Through Exam Season
1. Keep mornings calm
Try to keep exam mornings relaxed. Lay out clothes, bags, exam pencil cases and water bottles the night before to avoid any last-minute panics. Our local school offer Early Bird Sessions on exam days, where pupils can get a “Grab and go” breakfast and also attend a revision session. Check if your school offers something similar.
2. Hydration is key
Remind them to drink plenty of water before and after exams—it really does help concentration.
3. Balanced snacks
Have some brain-friendly snacks to hand—think fruit, oat bars, nuts, or smoothies. They’re great for before or after an exam and much better than an energy drink!
4. It’s okay to rest
Encourage short breaks and downtime. Watching a bit of telly, chatting with friends, or even just lying on their bed with a podcast is all part of healthy balance.
5. Support, not pressure
Tell them you’re proud of them just for trying. Grades are important, but their mental health and well-being matter so much more.
6. Use past papers wisely
Practising with past papers from WJEC can help them get used to the wording and timing of real questions.
7. Check in gently
Instead of “Have you done enough revision?” try “How are you feeling about tomorrow?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?”
8. Celebrate the small wins
Finished their first paper? That’s a win. Got through a tough topic revision session? Another win. Celebrate them all. Plan some small treats to get them through this time.
9. Look after yourself too
It’s okay to feel tired or tense as a parent right now. Be kind to yourself—you’re doing your best.
10. Know where to find help
If your teen is struggling with stress or anxiety, it’s important they know they’re not alone.
Mental Health Support: SilverCloud
Did you know the NHS offers free online support through SilverCloud Wales? It’s available to anyone aged 16+ and offers self-guided programmes to help manage stress, anxiety, low mood and more.
There’s even a special course tailored to students, with tips on exam stress and building resilience. It’s confidential, easy to use, and you can access it anytime from your phone or laptop.
Find out more here: SilverCloud Wales
A Little Giveaway – Just Because
To cheer everyone up during exam season, I’m running a little giveaway for a £25 Amazon giftcard—perfect for picking up revision stationery or a treat for when exams are over.
Win a £25 Amazon Gift Card
For a chance to win a £25 Amazon Voucher, enter the Rafflecopter below. Remember to read the terms and conditions. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveawayCompetition closes 10th June. UK 16+.
Sending love and luck to all our amazing students—you’re stronger than you know! You are amazing and so loved for much more than how you do in exams! And to the parents and carers supporting them—you’re doing an amazing job too. Good luck all!
Read more: Parenting posts
you can only do your best
Just do your best would be my advice
Start Early and Plan: Don’t wait until the last minute. Create a realistic study timetable that breaks down your revision into manageable chunks.
Don’t get too stressed beforehand. Making yourself ill with worry won’t help.
Get a good night sleep
Set aside 3 x per week , quiet time, no distractions where you have everything you need to study, and set a timer and do exactly that.
Take a break every now and then so you don’t burn yourself out.
Plenty of sleep and short bursts of revision
Take regular breaks
Plan a schedule
You can do this- positivity
What a wise and positive post. Every child is different but a parent, sibling or AN Other could offer to test the child on what they have studied that day. It doesn’t work for all subjects but helps on fact-based figures and words. Additionally, creating mnemonics is an excellent way to recall facts in the right order.
Remind yourself that these exams are not the be all and end all of your childrens lives
Sleep well, have decent food, take study breaks.
Read the questions carefully and try to stay calm.
Perfect to get my daughter a treat after her GCSE’s
Do not stress or worry about them, and take your time.
Secondary TA here: Listen to your teachers, do the work they give you and most important…Be nice to yourself. You can only do YOUR best, not anyone elses.
Don’t leave everything till the last minute. Revise a little and often is my advice!
Take regular breaks and set a schedule.
Make sure you have some breaks between revising, otherwise you’ll get too tired and stressed.
Stay calm and be positive. Do your best
Make sure you’ve had a good night’s sleep before your exam and eaten and had a drink beforehand.
Bribr yourself to work hard, little treats that you earn by revising
Take deep breaths to keep calm if you start to feel stressed. If you have done your best then don’t worry, life will still go on if you don’t get top marks.