Supporting Your Child on Exam Results Day | Parent Centre

Below are some tips to help you support your child on exam results day.

Communication is key

Preparation is key to managing the emotions and expectations surrounding results day. It’s important that you talk to your child in advance about their feelings and expectations, even if they are reluctant to. Some students may try to avoid conversations around the results which can in turn increase anxiety for them. It’s really important to encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns and in particular, reassure them that their worth is not defined by their exam results. Remind them that this is just one step in their educational journey and that there are many paths to success.

Managing expectations

Your reaction to your child's results can significantly impact their emotional state. Whether the results are better or worse than expected, it's important to stay calm and positive. As a parent, it is essential to manage your own expectations about what your child will achieve; some will have worked very hard and may not achieve what they want due to various factors such as challenging exams or being overwhelmed by pressure. Other students perhaps should have worked harder and could have achieved more, however, there is absolutely no point on results day in looking back retrospectively as it will achieve nothing and only heighten emotions. It is important to celebrate their efforts and achievements, regardless of the outcome. If the results are not as hoped, focus on the positives and discuss the next steps constructively.

Managing emotions

Emotional support is crucial on results day. Listening to your child is the most important thing you can do. If your child is disappointed, provide comfort in acknowledging their feelings and let them know it's okay to feel upset. It is essential to avoid comparing them to others, particularly siblings or close friends who may have done the exams before. Instead, offer reassurance and remind them of their strengths and potential. Help your child maintain a balanced perspective on their results. Remind them that exams are just one measure of their abilities and that many successful people have faced challenges along the way (some anecdotal evidence may help here). Encourage them to see this as a learning experience and to focus on their long-term goals, and emphasise the importance of resilience and perseverance in achieving success.

Reflect

Once the initial emotions have settled, have an open and honest discussion about the results. Ask your child how they feel about their performance and what they think went well or could have been improved. This conversation can really help them reflect on their experience and identify areas for change. Most importantly, it offers them an opportunity to discuss what they might change going forward as they face future exam situations and helps increase their growth mindset.

Explore options and next steps

If the results are not what your child hoped for, it's important to explore the available options. For Junior Cycle students, this might involve discussing subject choices for the Senior Cycle. For Leaving Certificate students, it could mean looking at different college courses, apprenticeships, or other career opportunities. Leaving Cert students may become fixated on what points their chosen CAO course was last year and this can increase anxiety if they feel they have fallen short. Remind them that CAO points vary each year and that there is nothing they can do until the first-round offers are issued. Reassure your child that there are many routes to success and help them look at the other courses they may have applied for with an open mind.

Seek professional guidance if needed

If your child is struggling to cope with their results, consider seeking professional guidance. Your first point of contact should be the school management and guidance counselors. They can help your child explore their options, set realistic goals, and develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Stay informed about the resources available to support your child. Many schools and educational institutions offer guidance and support services for students receiving their results. Additionally, there are online resources and helplines that can provide information and assistance. Make sure your child knows where to turn for help if they need it. If this is not sufficient, mental health professionals can provide valuable support and advice.

Celebrate their efforts and look to the future

Your child has just completed an Irish rite of passage by sitting the State exams so regardless of the results, it's important to celebrate their efforts and hard work. Plan a special activity or treat to mark the occasion and show them that you are proud of their dedication. This can help boost their morale and reinforce the message that their efforts in achieving their educational goals are valued. Finally, encourage your child to look to the future with optimism and confidence. Remind them that this is just one step in their journey and that they have the potential to achieve great things. Help them set new goals and create a plan for moving forward. With your support and encouragement, they can navigate this challenging time and emerge stronger and more resilient.