GCSE and A Level results day advice from Action for Children – “Reassure your child that your pride in them goes beyond any grade”

GCSE and A Level results day can be a very nerve-wracking time for teens and their parents across England. Results day can be pivotal to shaping the next chapter of young people’s lives and they may be worried about their expected grades or what their next steps should be.

Action for Children’s Parent Talk service, offering free advice, is on hand for parents and carers to help navigate the situation.

Top tips from Megan Bennett, Parenting Coach from Action for Children’s Parent Talk said: 

• Manage nerves: Make sure your child gets enough sleep and limiting screen time could help manage their emotions. Their school may also have helpful resources about what to expect on the day, so you’re prepared for any outcome.

• Listen up: Whether your child is excited or nervous about results day, it’s important to take time out to listen and speak to them about how they’re feeling leading up to the day. Your teen might find it easier to open up to you in a more relaxed and less confrontational setting like on a walk together or a long car journey.
• Reassure: Let your teenager know that your pride in them goes beyond any grade. Offer reassurance that you’re here to support them whatever their grades.
• Don’t panic: If they don’t get the results they were hoping for, avoid comparing them to their friends. Results day is stressful enough and adding to their disappointment will make things worse. There are plenty of options such as clearing, re-sits, apprenticeships, foundation degrees and courses which could still help get their foot in the door to their desired future career path. Don’t panic.

• Your support is everything: The most important thing is to make sure your child knows that they have a support network around them. Celebrate any successes – small or large!”

 If you’d like more results day advice, Action for Children has a free online 1:1 webchat and WhatsApp service, Parent Talk, where you can talk to trained parenting coaches for any advice or support – search online for ‘Parent Talk’ or visit parent-talk.org.uk