Stress in School

[Shan1948]

My daughter is suffering severe stress right now, her GCSE's are coming up at the end of this year! There's not much I can help her with in revision terms as she now knows more than me now! I know she is stressed but she bottles it all up, I don't know how I can help her:( Any motherly advice please

My DD did GCSEs last year. You may not be able to help with the academic bit but there are things you can do.

• check she has a revision timetable (seeing a plan stops stressing over size of mountain)
• check the timetable is sensible and she isn't over (or under) working
• ensure she has fresh air and exercise and socialisation breaks

When revising in half terms / holidays / exam time (on days with no exam in afternoon), DD took every single afternoon off (!) and went for a walk. It did her the power of good.

Has she got a 'Plan B' for after GCSEs? Knowing there is a fall-back plan (or 2) is helpful.

Also, you can help her by testing her, if she wants you to.

Also try to help her manage the controlled assessment she needs to do. Make sure she knows all the deadlines and see if you can help her with some of the preparation and planning that she can do at home.

If you think it is beyond normal stress in an exam year, then talk to the school. They should have a counsellor or pastoral manager who could talk to her about how to manage her stress. It's really common, especially among girls in Y11, so the school will be used to seeing it.