anyone else starting to get worried?

[cricketballs]

I know that I should know better; I teach GCSEs and every year have the same discussions with students/parents that no matter results there is always a route available for the future.

But now, it is a week and 1 day away from my own DS getting his GCSE results and I am really starting to get nervous! He needs B grades in order to go to his first choice college and C grades for his 2nd choice (which neither DS nor myself were really enthusiastic about attending).

I have the old 'sweet smile' on the outside but inside I have all sorts of events going through my head! For example, what if he has failed everything and decides to not go to college at all (even though I know it wont be that bad).

Surely my working experience should prevent this but it isn't

Oh I know - I haven't forgotten that you've seen the other side over the years and I am quite sure it's a whole different thing when it's your own babies!

At least you will now have all perspectives covered, which can only be good. It's a bit like a 24 year old midwife who has never had a child in my mind - she will ONLY know what it's really like when she herself has been through it! That does NOT suggest I think they can't do it - far from it - but when, and only when, one has experienced the whole thing oneself, can one truly know what all angles feel like! So to speak

So glad to see I'm not alone. DD1 has GCSE results next week and seems calm - but then so do I and I'm tied in knots inside! She is predicted excellent grades but my worry is that if she just gets good grades she'll feel she has failed. Does that make sense? Does anyone else feel this way?

Also, can I ask whether people 'reward' results and if so, how? Not sure whether a cash bonus is the best way - I think that would be appreciated but then how much is reasonable?

Hi Can I join too please? Going through this for the second time, but am still reeling from DS1s A2 results on Thursday. Time to start focussing on DS2, he is hoping to do well in Maths and Sciences, but am concerned that he needs to get a good pass in English which is definitely his weakest subject.

MotherofGirls we don't do cash rewards, but will take him out for a meal to celebrate whatever he's achieved. (He would probably prefer cash )

He's cost me enough the last 16 years, never mind any more

MoG I don't reward results with cash..but last year I took DD1 out shopping for doing so well, so I will no doubt be doing the same with DD2 this year and DS the next...!

Not starting to get worried, started a while ago.

No cash rewards, nothing except showing I'm really pleased, couldn't do it even if I wanted to which I don't particularly (this will be my fifth set of GCSE's).

Hello again Yellowstone thought you'd be popping over to this one! Have you got one more after next weeks lot as well? Your nerves must be somewhat frayed

no cash rewards her but dd does have a hair and waxing appt booked for fri, if the results are good I may just pay :) We have already been warned that they are likely not to be her predicted A grades... to say the very least :( Dread Thursday as I know she going to be very down.

Hello Rock. Yes, this is how the summer's go at the moment! Two weeks away in Scotland after term breaks up then four days of lawn mowing and washing until A's and AS's then a week until GCSE's. Dreading Thursday, I really do think it's this batch of exams more than any other which seals their fate.

He's bright but he's fickle.

Three more after him (next year, then much more sensible two and three year gaps).

Mind you, I quite like getting them off to university one a year!

Motherofgirls know exactly what you mean about DD being disappointed with 'good' results! I'll be happy with C's or above, she has her sights set much higher. She went through an anxious stage last week, now she seems a bit calmer - as far as you can tell over the phone. Whereas I was fine all summer and now am having a bit of a wobble, mostly due to a close friend's daughter having just had her A level results and has lost her Uni place. (And am a bit that said friend is away, the results not being an enormous surprise...)

On the rewards front, DD has already had her reward for the effort she put in, which was massive. Hopefully the results themselves will be the reward. Can we have a 'fingers crossed' emoticon?

Ha ha Yellow I've got 6 years in a row with one result or another and then a VERY sensible 12 year gap before the final lot with DD3! I absolutely agree with you that the GCSEs are the ones that shape their futures. Which is why I far less stressed with DD1's AS results on Thursday (though she did just great and pretty much as she'd expected). I really don't have too many concerns for DD2 - she is insanely clever (though ridiculous stupid at times - asking if the cat was a girl straight after the kittens were born....) and is predicted As and A*s. I will be a sobbing mess with DS though I think - he has the brains to achieve, but is happier on the sports field and often forgets that brain needs engaging to get results!

DD1 has announced today that she wants to take a year off after her As next year to work, do 4 or 5 month trip to Asia and Australia and then start University in 2013 at the same time as DD2 will be. Should I suggest not, do you think, or will it make little difference? Her life and choice though I guess... IT's going to cost shit loads which ever way it's done! She reasons that with some work and money saved, it will make student life a little easier???

TSC I've got a case of cava in the fridge for you in prep. She'll be fine. DD1 did jack shit this year for her AS but still pulled them (mostly) off.

Beginning of October. You must. You must. All of you.

malaga or gib if it's cheaper. Monarch do both for sure, Easy might do Gib, don't know. But loads do Malaga.

Good grief! Ds starts in year 9 next month and reading all your posts I'm feeling quite sick! so Lord knows how I'll be when it's our turn.

dd was a vile cow today, very edgy and stressed :( Have to take her shoe and suit shopping for 6th form college tmro...deep joy.

MABS will be thinking of you and C on Thursday, let me know how she goes.

Good luck everyone