My girls are just beginning to sit their exams.

Daughter two is sitting her AS level exams and daughter three her GCSEs.

Throughout the house are post it notes, charts and revision cards stuck on doors light switches and by mirrors. Anywhere they are likely to be loitering and can stop and take a look for a few minutes. 

Sitting on the loo is now quite educational for me too. I can see at a glance through a very self explanatory chart how Germany's power developed during the 1920's and 1930's and am even beginning to remember dates of the Treaties that were signed.

Exams are a big thing these days it seems to be that kids are tested almost every year they are at school.  For lots of kids exams are really scary.  They see them as the difference between success and failure.   - I know how much I used to hate them and worry about them. 

So here are a few tips that I have read, learnt and gleaned along the way which I hope may help your kids during exams - or any other stressful time in their life.

Get your kids to approach exams the same way they would approach something which was fun and important to them.   This could be a sporting fixture, a special party or a holiday. 
Help them to focus on the "end game" e.g. the exams will be over in a couple of weeks and then they will be able to ......(do whatever it is they are missing out on.....)
So that means preparation for the event.

Suggest they organise themselves a revision routine (like you may have a keep fit routine) - and then get them to read this.....and try and take on some of these points.   Or put it up somewhere for them to read at their leisure if you are not convinced they will read it or have a sensible conversation over it.



Work in short manageable bursts.
Avoid getting over-tired.  No one can concentrate when they are tired.
Don't start working very early in the morning (this can lead to anxiety) or late in the evenings (leads to becoming over tired and may lead to being unable to sleep..
Take regular breaks and do something different. Ideally physical. Dance to music, take a walk.
Try to avoid very late nights
Study in a well lit room, or near a window.
Make sure you get outside as often as you can for fresh air
Best times to study are 9:00am to 12am and 4.00 pm to 6:00 pm  (although I have to say my kids do not stick to these times at all).
Worst times: after lunch 1:00pm to 3:00pm as body clock is sluggish and at night
Keep in take of sugar down. Too much sugar lowers blood sugar level, makes you sleepy, and makes you need more! 'Energy' sweets are especially bad for this.
Cut down on caffeine - in short term caffeine makes you feel more alert, but large doses lead to insomnia and increased tension/anxiety
Avoid too many carbohydrates (from potatoes, pasta, rice, bread) just before busy revision spells or exams, as these food make you sleepy.
Do not diet while doing exams. Being hungry may lead to lack of concentration
Not sure what the experts would make of this advice - but the following works for us in times of stress, upset or exhaustion.

My kids love horlicks and hot chocolate made with real dark chocolate. These comforting drinks or treats serve two purposes. One they  pep them up a bit, and two  show them we care. Sometimes this can work a lot better than talking to stressed adolescents.


You might also want to try Wrist Angels.  These clever little bracelets using the principle of aromatherapy seemed to really have helped my girls    Link with a status message
If the worry is turning into almost phobia - why not consider hypnotherapy.  This really works very well with stress -and Adam Eason whose products I can highly recommend offers reasonably priced hypnotherapy through his digital products. He has a whole range but has one specifically developed to manage stress and worry.