Wellbeing • 5 min read

How to Handle Exam Stress in Children (Without Adding to It)

Practical, evidence-based ways to support your child through term exams — and what to never say.

Published 30 April 2026 by Yajur Wellbeing Team

Exam stress is a real signal — the body is asking for help. Your job as a parent is not to fix the stress (you can't) but to keep the system regulated so the child can keep working.

Three things that always help

Sleep first — a tired brain forgets what a rested brain learned. Non-negotiable lights-out time, even during exam week.
Food rhythm — protein-rich breakfast, no skipped meals, no extra sugar 'as a reward'.
Movement — 20 minutes of any physical activity halves cortisol levels. A walk together at 4 pm beats two extra hours at the desk.

Two things that always hurt

Comparing — 'See how X is doing' is the single fastest way to break a child's confidence.
Catastrophising — 'If you don't get good marks, you'll ruin your life' is a lie children believe.

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