Advice for parents to help teenagers through results day

STUDENTS across Wales will be collecting their A-level results today.

It is a nervous time and they don’t need parents or carers adding to the stress by fretting around them.

So, how can parents help? Here are some tips from the experts

■ Be organised but not over bearing: Check the time your teenager’s school or college is handing out results. They probably won’t want you to go in with them but let them know how they can reach you when they want to speak to you and make sure your phone is on and you are available.

If you have to be in work and can’t get time off on the day try to find a friend or relative who can be, just incase your young person needs support.

■ Be positive: Remind your teenager that not getting the grades hoped for is not a disaster.

There are other options. Apprenticeships, training or looking for an alternative course through Ucas Clearing are all options.

■ Get some exercise: If tension is mounting try to get rid of it by taking some exercise. Go for a run, a bike ride or just a walk together.

Encourage your teenager to try to put negative thoughts out of their mind.

■ Eat breakfast: On results day food and drink may be the last thing on anyone’s mind but encourage your teenager to have at least a light breakfast before they open their laptop to check Ucas tracking or race off to school to collect their results.

There’s nothing worse than facing stress on an empty stomach with low blood sugar. Try to get in some of your teenager’s favourite food and soft drinks.

■ Celebrate: It’s the end of an era whatever happens. So organise some sort of celebration.

Ask your young person what they’d like you to do. You don’t have to spend a fortune. It could just be a cup of coffee together.