WITH GCSE exams approaching, Dr Marguerita Magennis, psychologist, educational consultant and tutor at FindTutors, shares how parents can spot the signs of exam stress at home and support their children through it.
A recent UK-wide survey by GoStudent found that 77% of parents say their child is experiencing stress related to schoolwork or exams, with one in ten pupils feeling this pressure constantly. Dr Magennis’s advice focuses on practical ways parents can respond without adding further pressure.
- Recognising the signs of stress: Young people can sometimes struggle to articulate their emotional experiences. As a result, stress may appear through changes in behaviour rather than clear verbal expression. Some of the most common signs include mood changes, irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, emotional outbursts or reluctance to engage with schoolwork.
Some may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches when feeling overwhelmed. Rather than viewing these behaviours simply as misbehaviour or lack of motivation, it is helpful to see them as signals that a young person may be struggling to manage internal pressure. - What parents can do to help: Although parents cannot remove every stressor from their child’s life, they can play a crucial role in helping them develop healthy coping skills and emotional resilience. Often, it is the everyday interactions within the home that make the greatest difference.
- Create opportunities for open conversation: Young people need to feel that they can talk about worries without fear of criticism or dismissal. Simple questions about their day or their feelings can encourage them to share what is on their minds. Listening without immediately trying to fix the problem helps them feel heard and understood.
- Focus on effort rather than results: Confidence grows when young people are recognised for persistence, effort and improvement rather than only academic outcomes. Encouraging a growth mindset helps them see mistakes as part of learning rather than something to fear.
- Support healthy routines: Regular routines help them feel secure and provide stability during stressful periods. Consistent sleep patterns, balanced revision schedules and time for physical activity all support emotional regulation and concentration.
- Set boundaries around technology: Creating device-free times during the day, such as during family meals or before bedtime, can improve focus and sleep quality. Encouraging hobbies that involve creativity and movement can also help them recharge mentally.
- Teach simple calming strategies: Young people benefit from learning practical ways to manage stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, listening to calming music or engaging in creative activities can help them regulate their emotions when they feel overwhelmed.
- Model healthy coping behaviours: They also learn a great deal from observing how adults manage challenges. When parents demonstrate balanced approaches to stress, problem-solving and self-compassion, young people gradually develop similar coping skills.
