22/05/2026
We are currently in the throws of exam season, which means a lot of added stress and pressure for our children, whether it be SATs, GCSE's, A Levels, end of year tests, mocks etc...its.a.lot!
If your child is already struggling with anxiety, low mood, or any other struggles with their wellbeing, then it's likely to be a challenging time for them as their window of tolerance is likely to reduce as the stress increases.
This means you may notice:
✈️more FLIGHT responses linked to anxiety (avoidant behaviours/panic/overthinking/catastrophising thoughts)
👊🏻more FIGHT based responses linked to anger (irritability/short tempered/agitated/aggression), 🥶more FREEZE based responses linked to emotional shut down (self isolation/sleeping more/talking less/less active/quiet/withdrawn)
These are all natural responses to stress, and are chosen by your child's nervous system (not consciously by them) to help them tolerate the situation.
Helping your child to grow their window of tolerance helps them to stay more regulated, and can be achieved in various ways:
👣self care basics (food and water, fresh air, movement, healthy sleep routine)
🫂opportunities to connect with others and themselves
🤸🏻♀️play and creativity
If your child is in their window of tolerance when sitting their tests, they are more likely to perform better, so we always advocate a wellbeing first approach to exam stress. Yes, revision is important, but not as important as a regulated nervous system first.
Take the opportunity this half term to move, play, connect, enjoy the outdoors...your child's nervous system will thank you for it 💚
