
- Helpful Topics
- Explaining Therapy To Child
- Coping With SAD
- How To Support My Anxiety
- Mindfulness and Mental Health
- Managing Social Anxiety
- Creativity & Mental Health
- Support For School Exam Stress
- Childhood OCD
- Feeling Included In The Family
- Back To School Anxiety
- Support child's mental health
- EMDR for Children & Adolescents
- …
- Helpful Topics
- Explaining Therapy To Child
- Coping With SAD
- How To Support My Anxiety
- Mindfulness and Mental Health
- Managing Social Anxiety
- Creativity & Mental Health
- Support For School Exam Stress
- Childhood OCD
- Feeling Included In The Family
- Back To School Anxiety
- Support child's mental health
- EMDR for Children & Adolescents
- Helpful Topics
- Explaining Therapy To Child
- Coping With SAD
- How To Support My Anxiety
- Mindfulness and Mental Health
- Managing Social Anxiety
- Creativity & Mental Health
- Support For School Exam Stress
- Childhood OCD
- Feeling Included In The Family
- Back To School Anxiety
- Support child's mental health
- EMDR for Children & Adolescents
- …
- Helpful Topics
- Explaining Therapy To Child
- Coping With SAD
- How To Support My Anxiety
- Mindfulness and Mental Health
- Managing Social Anxiety
- Creativity & Mental Health
- Support For School Exam Stress
- Childhood OCD
- Feeling Included In The Family
- Back To School Anxiety
- Support child's mental health
- EMDR for Children & Adolescents
Navigating the Storm: Recognising Signs of Stress in Your Child During School Exams and How to Address Them
As exam season approaches, it can undoubtedly be challenging for students of all ages. It's important therefore for parents to be attuned to the signs of stress that may manifest in their children. Recognising these signs early on and addressing them in a supportive manner can make a significant difference in helping your child manage the pressures of exams. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Encourage them to express their concerns and listen without judgment. Reassure them that it's okay to feel stressed but emphasise the importance of managing it in a healthy way.
Changes in Behaviour: Keep an eye out for any noticeable changes in your child's behaviour. Irritability, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities can be indicative of heightened stress levels. If your once-vibrant child suddenly seems more subdued or agitated, it might be time to initiate a conversation.
Physical Symptoms: Stress doesn't only affect the mind; it can manifest physically as well. Complaints of headaches, stomach-aches, or even changes in appetite and sleep patterns could be signals that your child is grappling with stress. Take these symptoms seriously and consider them as invitations to discuss their feelings.
Difficulty Concentrating: If your child is finding it hard to concentrate or experiencing a decline in academic performance, it could be a red flag. Rather than jumping to conclusions, approach the issue with curiosity and a willingness to understand the challenges they're facing.
Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their concerns. Initiate open and honest conversations about how they're feeling regarding exams. Avoid placing undue pressure and assure them that it's okay to experience stress; what matters is how they manage it.
Encourage Effective Study Habits: Help your child establish a study routine that promotes consistent, effective learning. Cramming at the last minute often leads to increased stress. Encourage regular breaks, healthy snacks, and sufficient sleep to support their overall well-being.
Balancing Support and Independence: While it's important to be involved and supportive, striking a balance is key. Offer help when needed, but also empower your child to take responsibility for their own studies. This not only fosters a sense of independence but also teaches valuable life skills.
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate not only the end results but also the efforts your child puts into their studies. Recognise and acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and small victories along the way. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation.
In navigating the storm of exams, your role as a supportive parent is instrumental. By staying vigilant, fostering open communication, and encouraging healthy study habits, you can help your child not only survive but thrive during this challenging time. Remember, it's not just about the grades; it's about nurturing resilience and a positive attitude towards learning that will serve them well in the long run.
If your child is experiencing deeper levels of stress it may be helpful for them to talk to a professional who will help them explore some of the issues that may be causing heightened stress levels and explore strategies for managing it. We have a range of professional, experienced therapists in our clinic who offer this support to young people.
If you feel, as a parent, that you could benefit from support for yourself to help your child navigate their anxieties in a more constructive way please feel free to ask about the services we offer to parents.
Information on each of these can be found on our website or by contacting the clinic on 087 3309994 or email: [email protected]
www.northstartherapy.ie
Guiding You Safely Through Life's Challenges

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Monday 9am–8pm
Tuesday 9am–8pm
Wednesday 9am–8pm
Thursday 9am–8pm
Friday 9am–4pm
Northstar Counselling & Therapy Centre provides professional counselling, psychotherapy and play therapy to children, teens, adolescents and adults for all conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, school avoidance, social anxiety, grief and loss. Serving Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Carlow and the South East.
Information on this site is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
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