11/11/2025
If your teen is heading into their GCSE mocks soon, you’ve probably already started to feel the ripple of tension at home, the worry, the tears, the “I can’t do this” moments.
As a parent, it can be incredibly hard to watch. You want to encourage them to do well, but you also don’t want to push too hard. You can see how tired they are, how much pressure they’re under, and you just want to make it all a bit easier for them.
The truth is, mock exams can feel huge for young people. They’re being told these grades matter, that they’ll shape their future, and that can easily tip them into anxiety, self-doubt, and overwhelm.
But here’s what I want you (and your teen) to know:
Mocks are practice, not proof.
They’re a space to learn what works and what doesn’t, not a test of worth.
Here are a few gentle ways you can support your child right now:
Focus on effort, not outcome. Celebrate the small wins such as sitting down to revise, asking for help, or simply showing up.
Normalise the nerves. Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious. You can even share a story of a time you felt under pressure.
Create calm moments. A short walk, a cup of tea together, or a chat about something other than school can help them breathe again.
Remind them they’re loved no matter what. Teenagers often need to hear this more than they’ll admit.
In my work as a Children’s Creative Counsellor, I use creative tools and gentle conversations to help young people manage emotions like stress, self-doubt, and perfectionism, especially during high-pressure times like exams.
If your child is struggling with worry or overwhelm around their mocks, I offer 1:1 creative counselling sessions designed to help them feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to handle what’s ahead.
