How to support your child's wellbeing during exam preparation

Preparing for entrance exams can feel intense - especially when there’s a lot to revise and time feels limited. But one of the most effective ways to help your child succeed isn’t just academic. It’s making sure they feel well-supported, well-rested, and emotionally balanced along the way.

At this age, children are still developing key learning habits. Prioritising wellbeing now not only supports better performance in the short term – it also lays the foundation for healthy study routines later on.

Why wellbeing helps with learning

When a child is calm, well-rested, and emotionally regulated, their brain is in a much better place to learn. They’re more likely to:

• Absorb and retain information

• Think clearly and problem-solve

• Approach challenges with confidence

By supporting your child’s wellbeing alongside their studies, you're helping them learn more effectively and build resilience.

Easy ways to support your child’s wellbeing while revising

These small habits can make a big difference to how your child feels during revision:

1. Take regular breaks
Short, focused bursts of study (we recommend 20–30 minutes at a time) followed by a break are far more effective than long, drawn-out sessions. Breaks help the brain recharge and keep stress levels low.

2. Protect time for fun
Whether it’s a walk, a kickabout in the garden, drawing, or just chatting. Time spent doing something they enjoy helps your child reset and return to learning feeling refreshed.

3. Switch up their study space
Sometimes a change of scene (even just moving to a different room) can help children re-engage with their work and create a clear boundary between study time and downtime.

4. Talk about how they’re feeling
If your child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed, gently encourage them to talk about it. Knowing that they can share how they’re feeling makes a big difference to their confidence.

5. Mix up revision methods
Using a variety of techniques, such as like flashcards, drawing mind maps, or explaining concepts out loud, keeps learning interesting and helps your child find what works best for them.

Looking after your child’s wellbeing is an essential part of helping them prepare well and perform their best. With the right balance of learning, rest, and support, they’ll not only feel more confident for exam day, but they’ll also build study habits that last far beyond it.