1. How to support your child during their exams

2. What is Public Health?
Public Health is everyone’s business.
Our purpose - to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Hertfordshire, based on best practice and best evidence.
Health Protection
Health Improvement
Health care services
Public Health is everyone's business

3. Attendees will leave the session equipped with the following:
A greater understanding of the worries and mental health issues that face children and young people in Herts schools
Examples of what you can do as a parent, and practical tools for addressing the above
An information sheet summarising useful local and national resources

5. Mental Health Continuum

6. Stress Bucket exercise

7. A greater understanding of the worries and mental health issues that face children and young people in Herts schools

8. Stress Curve

9. The Zone
The best place to be on this chart for optimal performance is in the middle. Athletes call this “the zone”

10. Health Related Behaviour Survey Results 2016

11. Support available to your child at school

12. Tips on reducing exam stress
Exam time is stressful. Be prepared through adequate revision, but also find time to relax.
Encourage regular extra-curriculum activities such as sports, walking the dog, other hobbies.
Encourage healthy eating and exercise as this will reduce stress and improve concentration.
Do not pressure them to study. Encourage them.
Try and find ways to help them study, showing your support.

13. When to worry
For some young people they will become overly stressed during this time.
There are some signs to watch out for.
The most important thing to do is be understanding and listen.
Do not dismiss their feelings / concerns.
Help them to put it in perspective, while acknowledging their feelings.

14. Some possible signs of stress
Effects on your feelings;
Effects on your body;
• feeling tired
difficulty sleeping
poor appetite
stomach aches
headaches
aches and pains in your neck and shoulders
colds
dizziness / blurred vision
feeling sad
being irritable, losing your temper easily
finding it hard to concentrate
forgetfulness

15. Activity- planning ahead
Resilience in children and young people – how good physical and mental health can help children cope with whatever life throws at them.
Activity- planning ahead
During the exam period what do you think would be useful for your child for their;
physical health?
mental health?

16. Tools for young people needing additional support
Kooth
Health for Teens website
Chat health
Local community counselling services for YP
Young minds website
YC Hertfordshirehttp://
Five ways to wellbeing

17. So, what can I do as a parent?
We’ve talked today about some of the things you can do and resources you can use
Encourage your child, do not add to the pressure
Ask questions about how they are generally, not just if they have done their revision/homework
Be aware; notice changes in behaviour / appearance