Helping Your Child Through Exam Stress

Exam season can be a stressful time for the whole family. Some worry helps children focus, but too much can affect their sleep, appetite and confidence.

Signs your child may be struggling

• Trouble sleeping or frequent headaches and stomach aches
• Irritability, tearfulness or withdrawing from friends
• Saying things like “I'm going to fail anyway”

How you can help

Keep routines steady, with regular meals, sleep and short breaks. Praise effort rather than marks, and avoid comparing your child with siblings or classmates. Listen without rushing to fix things: sometimes a child simply needs to feel heard.

If stress continues after exams or starts to affect daily life, consider talking to a child psychologist.