When your child is in the throes of preparing for exams, there may be tensions at home. Revision isn't easy and can be an additional source of stress for an already stressed teenager.
So how do you make things easier? Parental influencer LV General and his daughter Melliyah have some tip top advice to share from an educational psychologist - it may just help you and your teen.
LV General's tips
- Schedule time and be patient
To help your teen keep revision times regular - you can get the whole family involved - talk about family routines like meal times and chores and decide how you can make these work best around revision timetables. Get siblings to help out with jobs around the house, so your teen can focus on revising and not on putting away the dishes.
Explain to other family members that they can really help your child by being patient with them if they're stressed - this isn't forever so give them time and space - and help where you can.
- Create a positive learning environment
Help them to set up a nice place to study - with enough light and air, and peace and quiet. This Parents' Toolkit article on how to transform a smaller space for study or work may help.
Be available so you can give them words of encouragement or be on hand to deliver snacks or drinks.Try to have positive interactions - as tempting as it is to nag them to revise - be a cheerleader.
You could help by going through their homework or revision planner with them. Help them see how they can break up their revision into smaller, more manageable chunks and have a conversation about how and when they plan to revise.Maybe agree some structures together - like how much screen time they should have around their revision. If you've discussed their aims - and helped them set some goals - then you can encourage them to carry out what they've agreed to do.
- Make time for fun
It’s important to relax, keep a clear head and have a laugh between revision sessions.Make sure your child is taking breaks and getting some fresh air, catching up with friends or a having a family meal.It'll give them chance to reset and will improve their focus when they get back to revision.
Three ways to use BBC Bitesize to help your child
BBC Bitesize has a wealth of videos, guides and games covering the curriculum to help your child learn at home - here are three ways to get stuck in…
What not to say to your kids during exam season
Exam season is stressful enough, so here are some top tips to avoid unnecessary rows.
Bitesize Study Support
If your child is daunted by revision, study and homework - these tips and advice may help make their workload feel a little more manageable.
Bitesize Secondary Games game
Level up! Lots of fun to help your child learn - with science, history and language games.
More from BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit
Parents' Toolkit
Fun activities, real-life stories, wellbeing support and loads of helpful advice - we're here for you and your child.
Parents' Toolkit: Help your child's learning. collection
We've got loads of tips and advice for parents to help their children with school and learning.
Helping your child keep a positive mindset for homework
Sophie, aka Tired 'N Tested, explains how you can help your child stay positive and resilient when their homework gets tough.
Five ways to motivate your teen to study at home
Getting teens motivated to study can be difficult. Natasha Devon provides some tips on how you can support your child.
Homework: How to help your child without too much stress
Headmaster and Educating Yorkshire star Mr Burton has some tips to help you and your child to navigate their homework.
