Supporting An Anxious Child Through Exams

Exam season can be a stressful time for any student, but for children who experience anxiety, it can feel particularly overwhelming. As a parent or carer, knowing how to provide the right kind of support can make all the difference — helping your child feel calm, prepared, and confident in their abilities.

 

Recognising Exam Anxiety

Exam anxiety is more than just a case of nerves. It can show up in different ways — from sleepless nights and irritability to physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, or a racing heartbeat. Some children might struggle to focus or feel paralysed by fear when revising. This private girls’ school recommends recognising these signs early on as key to offering reassurance and putting strategies in place to help them manage their stress.

Encourage open communication so your child feels safe expressing how they feel. Let them know that anxiety is a normal response to pressure and that they’re not alone in feeling this way. Simply talking about their worries can often relieve some of the tension.

 

Creating a Calm and Supportive Environment

The home environment plays a huge role in helping children cope with exam stress. Make sure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to study without distractions. Establishing a consistent routine can also provide a sense of stability — plan regular revision sessions, breaks, and downtime so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.

Balance is essential. Encourage your child to take short, frequent breaks, get plenty of sleep, and enjoy time outdoors. Exercise and fresh air can significantly reduce stress and boost concentration levels. Similarly, eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can help their brain perform at its best.

 

Teaching Relaxation Techniques

Helping your child learn simple relaxation techniques can make a big difference when anxiety strikes. Breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, or short guided meditations can help calm the body and refocus the mind. Some children find journaling, drawing, or listening to music helpful as ways to release tension.

You might also try practising positive visualisation together — encouraging your child to picture themselves walking confidently into the exam room and calmly answering questions. This can help shift their mindset from fear to self-belief.

 

Encouraging a Healthy Perspective

It’s natural for children to feel pressure to perform well, but it’s important to remind them that exams are not the sole measure of their worth or potential. Focus on effort rather than outcome — praise them for their hard work, perseverance, and progress rather than only their results.

Talk about how mistakes are part of learning and how each experience helps them grow. This builds resilience and reduces the fear of failure, helping them approach exams with a healthier mindset.

 

Staying Connected and Reassuring

Finally, reassure your child that no matter what happens, you’re proud of them. Small gestures — like spending time together, preparing their favourite meal, or offering words of encouragement — can provide the comfort they need.

If their anxiety feels unmanageable or persistent, don’t hesitate to reach out for extra support from their school or a mental health professional. With understanding, encouragement, and gentle guidance, your child can learn to face exams with greater confidence and calm.

 

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