Life balance

With GCSEs, A levels and other tests cancelled, teens are worried about their futures, but Emma says we can ease their woes

While some students may feel relieved that their exams are off, many will be anxious. Teachers will be reassuring them that they will receive their predicted grades, but for some this will be worrying news. Many young people are last-minute learners, cramming everything in at the end and going from average to A-star. Also, many kids found the trauma of last year mentally exhausting, which may have affected their performance. It’s up to parents to reassure them too.

I am a poor home educator, so I help my sons in other ways: ensuring they complete their homework and checking in daily regarding outstanding tasks. I feed them nutritious food, keep them hydrated and demand that they go to bed at a reasonable hour. I also make them exercise for 45 minutes a day to reduce their stress.

Teachers will be setting assignments and giving kids that last push so that they can grade them as fairly as possible. Reframe the situation positively – help your child understand that this is an opportunity to show their teachers what they are made of, without the pressure of exams. Your kids have survived an awful time, learning to cope with many challenges. Remind them of their resilience. Even though they won’t get to sit exams, help them see that this also means no cramming, no feeling sick on the morning of tests, and no getting surprise questions they haven’t revised for. Explain that their teachers know them and their potential and will be determined to give them the grades that they deserve.