Essex parents pulling all-nighters to help children cram for GCSEs
7 in 10 parents have taken time off work to help revise for their kids’ GCSEs
Essex parents are being urged to allow their children to socialise whilst their children take exams after new research shows 70% of parents have taken time off work to revise for their kid's GCSEs.
The research reveals parents are even pulling all-nighters to help their children cram.
The study of 500 parents, by online education company MyEdSpace, found 45% have drafted a revision plan and 16% have read study notes on the book "An Inspector Calls".
12% of parents have even attempted to memorise MacBeth.
Lesa Middlecott, deputy manager of West Essex Mind's Children and Young People Mental Health Support Team, tells Greatest Hits Radio "pulling all-nighters is not beneficial to anyone."
"The research shows it's not actually good to over-study as it can lead to greater levels of stress" says Lesa.
"Kids still need to go out and socialise, they need to have that balance."
Despite parents efforts to familiarise themselves with the current GCSE syllabus, half of all parents polled have struggled to get their heads round what their children are learning.
A third of parents surveyed say they sit with their kids during revision sessions, 16% have listened to audiobooks about exam material, and 12% have stayed up ‘all night’ reading.
"The way you speak to your children is key: we praise the effort not the outcome" says Mrs Middlecott.
"If they are already piling on the pressure, parents just need to release that a bit.
"Explore it with them: ask them what is the worst that can happen, what are you thinking and feeling about it?"
41% of parents admit they can’t wait for the exam period to be over.
However, 86% are convinced their kids are coping with the pressure.
Lesa Middlecott works with children in schools across Uttlesford, Harlow, and Epping in mental health early prevention services. She says helping children manage their emotions, and providing parents with the toolkit to help them, helps prevent crises in the future.
"Getting in there early, that's where the magic happens" she says.
The mental health support team for Mind West Essex recommends GCSE students to breakdown revision into sections, doing a subject or particular topic for half an hour, and then having a break.
If you or your child are struggling with coping with exam stress, you can access support and advice at Student Minds or the Mental Health Support Team at West Essex Mind.