Feeling anxious

[lovelthesun247]

Please help me to regulate my anxiety.

A levels are starting next week and I'm so worried about my DS. I just don't feel he's taking it seriously. He has time and space
to revise, but I just don't think he's making use of it.

He didn't do great in his mocks and although I'm sure this would give other kids the push they need to get them in line, I don't think that's the case with him.

Any advice on what I should do or say to change his thinking? Or should I just let him fail? I can't sleep at night thinking about this, but he seems quite happy just going with the flow

You know him better than us OP - what would help most? Bribery, cajolery, buy him a supply of caffeinated drinks even “accidentally” breaking the Wi-Fi hub so he can’t waste time online …?

You can remind him it’s one final push for the finish line and you’ll be so proud of him for trying his very, very hardest. That you’ve watched him grow and you can’t wait to see how he does in the real exams. A little maternal guilt trip doesn’t go amiss.
Remind him that last minute cramming actually does work (well it did for me).

Get his dad to do the same? Get gran/grandad/aunty Jane to call and wish him luck with his last few weeks of studying!? Make it feel real!

No point telling you to relax, it’s a parents job

Thank you for replying

I have tried words of encouragement, kindness, understanding, lectures (which turn into arguments) but I don't know how to get through to him.

Im tempted to put app limits on his phone like I do for my 12 year old!

Im hoping he will do some last minute cramming and im pleased to hear it worked for you. I hope the same works for him

Some people need the Adrenalin buzz to really knuckle down.

Although there’s a risk he’s fallen into the hole of pretending it’s not happening at all as he’s actually SO stressed he can’t bear to think about it… that might explain his air of nonchalance.

Is he depending on certain grades for his post-school destination?

I remember long ago a male relative of mine got a 2 E offer from Oxford (the days of examination entry) and there was a real risk he’d actually deliver only the 2 E grades in his 4 Alevels. He was so chilled he was literally horizontal most of the time. But in the end he pulled a rabbit out of the hat and got 2 As and 2 Bs.

It can be done!!

I think he's worried too because he seems to have closed off. He's generally not very good at explaining how he feels.

But rather than worrying about it, I just wish he would try to focus on revising more (productively) so he goes into the exams as best prepared as he can be.

I am trying my hardest not to show how anxious I am as I know that's not going to help and will make him feel worse

What final bit of advice would you give if this was your child?

Anyone give any advice? Would really appreciate it