When your child is buried in revision books, the stress can ripple through the whole house. It’s a tricky line to walk—wanting them to do well without pushing them too hard. Striking a healthy balance between study and downtime is essential, and there’s plenty you can do as a parent to help.

Here are some practical tips to keep your child on track without overwhelming them.

Define Achievable Objectives

It’s important to start with clear, realistic objectives. Sit down with your child and outline what they want to achieve each day or week. Be sure to keep these goals reasonable to avoid the risk of burnout. Achieving small, daily targets can boost your child’s confidence and keep them motivated.

Urge them to take advantage of the wealth of resources available online, which include course-specific GCSE revision notes from Save My Exams. These will make their goals even more attainable by providing focused, concise study materials that directly support the curriculum.

Optimise the Study Area

Create a study space that’s inviting and distraction-free. Ensure that it’s well-lit and stocked with essentials like stationery and motivational posters – not to mention their favourite snacks to keep them fuelled up during their study sessions! A dedicated area helps minimise distractions and can make study sessions more productive.

Encourage Frequent Breaks

Taking regular breaks is vital. Encourage your child to step away from their desk every hour for about ten minutes. Whether it’s a walk around the garden or a quick stretch, breaks are crucial for maintaining concentration and preventing mental fatigue.

Ply Them with Nutritious Snacks

Good nutrition directly impacts energy levels and focus. Offer healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and yoghurt during study sessions. Provide balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and proteins to keep their mind sharp and energy up, avoiding high-sugar snacks that lead to crashes.

Support Physical Activity

Exercise is an excellent stress buster and can help clear a cluttered mind. Even light physical activity, like a brisk walk or a spontaneous dance session, can uplift spirits and improve mental clarity.

Keep an Eye on Stress

Be vigilant about your child’s stress levels. Signs of excessive stress include difficulty sleeping or a short temper. If these signs appear, talk to your child about their feelings and perhaps lighten their revision load. Sometimes, just discussing their worries can alleviate anxiety.

Plan Fun-Filled Leisure Activities

Make sure there’s ample time for fun. Regularly schedule activities that your child enjoys, such as movie nights, board games, or outings. These breaks are essential for mental health and help maintain a positive outlook.

Try Mindfulness Techniques

Introducing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial. Spend a few minutes on breathing exercises or meditation each day to help manage stress. Participating in these activities with your child can also encourage a tranquil home environment.

Show Unwavering Support

Your encouragement is invaluable during this period. Celebrate their dedication as much as their achievements. Let them know that you recognise their hard work and are proud of them, regardless of outcomes.

Maintaining a balance between revision and relaxation is key to helping your child approach exams calmly and confidently. By implementing these strategies, you can provide the necessary support and keep your home a stress-reduced space during exam season.

Remember, when they’re relaxed, they’re more likely to perform at their best!