Introduction

Exams are stressful — not only for students but also for parents. Many parents wonder: How can I really help my child during exam season without adding extra pressure?

The good news: there are proven, simple ways you can support your child to perform better, stay calm, and walk into the exam room prepared. This guide gives you practical, step-by-step strategies you can use at home.

Create the Right Study Environment

A child’s focus improves when the environment is right. At home, try these simple changes:

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for study.
• Remove distractions like TV, loud music, or phones.
• Provide the basics: textbooks, pens, highlighters, notebooks.

Tip: At Back2school, we have all revision materials, past papers, and stationery to set your child up for success.

Build a Healthy Study Routine

Last-minute cramming causes stress and poor performance. Instead, encourage your child to:

• Make a revision timetable. Divide subjects across days.
• Study in short sessions (25–40 minutes) with breaks.
• Balance between study, sleep, and light exercise.

Example: A high school parent in Nairobi helped her son boost his grades by simply switching from late-night cramming to early-morning 40-minute revision blocks.

Support With the Right Resources

Your child can only revise effectively with the right tools. As a parent, you can:

• Provide revision books and past papers for practice.
• Buy set books, guides, and exam preparation bundles.
• Add study aids like flashcards, planners, and stationery.

Explore our exam preparation bundles at Back2school to save time and money.

Offer Emotional Support and Motivation

Exams are not just about academics — emotional balance matters. Here’s how to help:

• Encourage rather than pressure. Remind them that effort counts.
• Celebrate small wins like completing a past paper.
• Teach simple relaxation: breathing exercises, short walks.

Research shows that students who feel supported at home perform up to 23% better than those who feel constant pressure (source: Education Corner).

Focus on Nutrition and Rest

A healthy body supports a sharp mind. As exams get closer, guide your child to:

• Eat brain-boosting foods: fish, eggs, nuts, fruits, vegetables.
• Stay hydrated — water improves concentration.
• Sleep at least 7–8 hours a night.

Avoid giving energy drinks or excess coffee — they cause fatigue later.

Exam Day Checklist for Parents

The night before exams, help your child prepare calmly.

Pack essentials:

• Pens, pencils, sharpener, ruler, calculator.
• Admission documents (if required).
• Water bottle and light snack.

On the morning of the exam:

• Give positive words: “You’ve prepared well, you’ve got this.”
• Avoid rushing — leave early.
• Skip stressful last-minute revision.

After the Exams

Your role doesn’t end after the last paper. Support recovery and growth:

• Plan a small reward (outing, favorite meal, or book).
• Encourage holiday reading — storybooks, educational novels.
• Introduce skill-based resources like coding or creative writing books.

Back2school offers holiday reading packs to keep your child engaged before the new term.

Key Takeaways

• Create a calm study environment free from distractions.
• Support with resources: books, past papers, stationery.
• Build a healthy routine with short study sessions and rest.
• Provide emotional encouragement rather than pressure.
• Focus on nutrition, sleep, and exam-day readiness.

Conclusion

Supporting your child during exams doesn’t mean doing the work for them — it means creating the conditions for success. With the right environment, resources, and encouragement, you can help them stay confident and perform at their best.

At Back2school, we stock everything your child needs for exam success: textbooks, revision guides, and stationery. Visit our store today and make exam season stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions