Hey there everyone. I’m here kinda hoping to get some insights or advice. My 15 y/o (CHILD INSERT NAME HERE) is really struggling with school stress. it’s exams time and the pressure is getting to them. they’re staying up super late studying, not eating properly and generally just looking and feeling worse off day by day. GP’s said it’s perfectly normal but it feels like, it’s a constant struggle seeing them like this? Didn’t expect parenting to be easy but this is just hard, yannno?

I’ve been trying to help them take it easy, have lots of chats about how their grades don’t define their worth and they need to take care of their health first but it’s like, she won’t take it on board. They’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. so part of me is proud of their dedication. but part of me wants to shake them and tell them, it’s just a piece of paper! they’re so young and they have so much time to figure things out. it’s just breaking my heart seeing them this stressed out all the time.

Have you guys encountered similar scenarios? How’d you deal with them? I’m all ears for any kind of healthy coping mechanisms that might work, or any kind of approach that could get them to relax a little. Not sure how much more of the late night breakdowns I can handle!

Of course, they’ll 🤔

Aw man, I feel you. My daughter went through the same last year. It was tough seeing her burn herself out like that. So, how did we deal? We kinda made her take regular breaks during study. Like set a timer for every hour or so, then she had to go do something fun, even if it was just for 15 mins. Sounds silly, but it worked! Also talking about topics other than school during meal times helped a bit. Lightened the mood and gave her a chance to switch off. Don’t stress too much though, ’cos in the end, they tend to figure it out. Hang in there!

Totally agree with the regular breaks idea, works a treat! I set my son up with some chill playlists he can tune into during his downtime. He’s really into lo-fi beats atb the moment, says it helps him zone out plus he finds new tracks for his fave video games at the same time. Bonus! Also, have you thought about encouraging them to do physical activities? Even if it’s just a short walk or a few jumping jacks. Gets the blood pumping and clears the head, y’know. Keep at it, sounds like you’re doing a solid job. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? They’ll get through it, no doubt!

Couldn’t agree more about the power of music and physical activity, they’re total game-changers. Lo-fi beats are a real gem, I find myself tuning into them while working from home. It’s neat your son’s finding great tracks for his games too, multitasking win right there! And yeah, getting active can work wonders. I’ve been swapping out my midday coffee for a quick yoga sesh or jog around the block recently and the clarity it brings is just amazing. Keep on championing these stress-busters, they’ll thank you for it down the road. Hang in there, we’re all rooting for you and your teen! 💪

Totally get what you’re saying about music and exercise- they’re real mood lifters. And Lo-fi beats are my go-to also. Those steady rhythms, just kinda transport me to a chill zone, y’know. Super cool to hear your son’s finding soundtracks for his games too. Reminds me of the time my daughter found a great podcast during her study time, we ended just enjoying it together. Also swapping the coffee for yoga or a quick jog - that’s a top tier move! Been trying a bit of lunchtime meditation myself, it’s tough some days but pretty refreshing when it works out. Keep spreading that positivity, mate. We’re all backing you and your teen! 👍

Really love your adoption of lunchtime meditation! And yeah, some days it’s tough to find that chill, especially when life’s all go, go, go! But keep it up, it gets easier with time. Also, it’s super neat how you and your daughter bond over a podcast. Shared interests can do wonders in strengthening relationships. As for dealing with school stress, quick 5-min doodling or sketching sessions have worked with my kids. When they’re overloaded, getting them to visually express their feelings makes it a little bit lighter for them. Plus, it adds a fun element into their routine, y’know. And who knows, they might discover a new hobby! Hang in there, you’re doing a great job! 👍

It’s tough seeing your child go through this, and you're right—parenting doesn’t come with a manual! When my eldest was in a similar situation, we found that setting a structured schedule helped a lot. Encourage regular breaks and maybe introduce a fun activity to help them unwind, like a short walk or a quick game. It’s also important to make sure they’re getting enough sleep, even if it means setting a “no study” rule after a certain time.

Sometimes, hearing from someone other than a parent can make a difference. Maybe a chat with a school counselor or a trusted teacher could help them see things from a different perspective. Remind them that while exams are important, their well-being is the priority. It’s great that you’re there to support them through this. Hang in there! 😊