With GCSE and A-Level exams in the UK and Leaving Certificate exams in Ireland now in full swing, education experts are highlighting five surprising signs your child may be struggling with stress, and how you can help before it affects their performance.
One of the most misunderstood signs? Procrastination.
“When a child is constantly on their phone or avoiding revision, it’s rarely about laziness. Most of the time, they feel completely overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” says Lindsey Wright, senior tutor at Tutors Valley. “Instead of telling them off, try to break their revision down into manageable chunks and offer reassurance. Exam stress isn’t always loud or obvious – sometimes it’s quiet, avoidant, and easily misread.”
Other signs include sleepless nights, irritability, sudden dips in confidence, or obsessing over small mistakes. The team at Tutors Valley are encouraging parents to stay calm, offer support, and seek extra help if needed.
The team are urging parents to look out for five common signs that their child may be struggling with anxiety ahead of exams and offering advice on what to do about it.
- They keep putting things off
Procrastination is a major sign of anxiety. When a child avoids revising or spends hours doom-scrolling, it’s often because they feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to start. Rather than telling them off, help them create a manageable study plan with small, achievable goals. - They complain about physical symptoms
Stomach aches, headaches, or trouble sleeping can be symptoms of anxiety, especially if they appear in the run-up to exams. Try to maintain routine and encourage rest, healthy meals, and open conversations about how they’re feeling. - They become more irritable or withdrawn
Mood swings, snapping over small things, or suddenly becoming quiet can be emotional reactions to stress. Stay patient and offer them a safe space to talk, even if they’re not ready right away. - They suddenly lose confidence in subjects they used to enjoy
Exam anxiety can shake even high-achieving students. If your child starts saying “I can’t do this” or avoiding their favourite subject, it may be a sign they need reassurance or one-on-one support. - They obsess over small mistakes or fear total failure
Catastrophic thinking, like believing one bad mark means everything is ruined, is common in anxious students. Remind them that one exam won’t define them and that progress matters more than perfection.
Tutors Valley offers tailored, one-to-one online tuition for students at every stage with expert tutors who understand how to support academic goals while managing confidence and wellbeing.