There is life after exams

Published date19 May 2022
I know this not because our two are eye deep in revision timetables - we're just about past that stage - but because of the tsunami of articles which have appeared in the media about how to help your child cope with the stress of it all

With GCSEs and A-levels on the horizon, thousands upon thousands of words are being churned out for parents advising them on the best way to navigate the next few tense weeks of clear pencil cases, blue Biros and last minute cramming.

But here's the thing. It's not just the kids that need keeping calm.

In my experience mums and dads can be worse than our offspring when it comes to maintaining a lid on the worry and anxiety.

However, unlike the tips for kids about healthy snacks (as if) and early bedtimes (good luck with that), I reckon the advice for parents can be summed up much more succinctly and it's this: It will all be OK in the end. Because, however stressful, however many tears are shed, doors slammed and tantrums thrown and however well or otherwise they perform it will, in all probability, turn out just fine.

Pass or fail, kids have a habit of finding their own way through. Life carries on. Nobody dies.

I know this information seems unlikely if you're reading this on the eve of your 16-yearold's French oral and you could cut the atmosphere at home right now with a knife.

But trust me, I speak from experience. I've been through it. So have all my friends and family. And everyone's kids, without exception, came out the other side.

Of course we fretted and yes, plans had to be re-calibrated and...

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