Exam Stress? Why Parents Struggle Too (and What You Can Do About It)

Exam season. For many families, it's a stressful time — not just for students, but also for parents and the rest of the household. In June, over 6.2 million Belgians live in a household with at least one student. (Statbel, 2023). This leads to tension, fatigue, and frustration, as often, everything revolves around that one studying teenager. Exams impact not only your child but also you as a parent.

Why Is Exam Season Especially Tough for Parents?

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You share in their stress and feel the pressure of exams yourself. You're curious (or concerned) about the results, as they can be decisive for their educational path.

Moreover, there's an expectation — conscious or not — that you'll do more during this period: reassure your student, motivate them, bring snacks, or quiz them on summaries. Many online articles explain how you, as a parent, can help your child during exams — and yes, we're guilty of that too 👉 How do I help my student during the exams?

And we admit: even with the best intentions, these tips can sometimes feel like an additional to-do list for parents. You might wonder: "Am I doing enough?"

If your child comes home saying a classmate gets a special breakfast every exam morning, or asks for help on a subject you studied ages ago, you might spend time researching, all while juggling your other responsibilities. Add an irritable teenager to the mix, and the picture is complete.

Signs You're Also Experiencing Too Much Exam Stress

It's a taboo topic, but you can admit it: you're struggling too. Do you recognize yourself in any of these signs?

• 😴 You're sleeping worse than usual and are tossing and turning at night worrying about the exams.
• 😤 You're more irritable, both at home and at work.
• 😔 You feel guilty for not doing more for your child.
• 🫥 You're putting aside your hobbies, sports, or social life.

According to a study by Ghent University (2021), more than 1 in 3 parents increased stress during their children's exam period. Stress is also contagious: tense parents are more likely to lead to tense students (UGent, 2021).

What Can You Do to Keep Things Manageable?

👉 Good news: yohere are ways to lighten the pressure — for your child and for yourself.

1. Plan Ahead Together

If you start early, create a schedule together. Not just for studying, but also for meals and family time. This brings calm and predictability.

2. Encourage, Don't Control

Try to support your child positively without trying to control everything. Your son or daughter has their own way of working. By showing trust, you provide breathing space — for both of you.

3. Take Time for Yourself

You're already an involved parent, but you also deserve to think about yourself. Go for a walk, meet up with friends, or continue your hobbies. Recharging isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.

4. Ask for Help

You don't have to do this alone. Maybe a grandparent can cook one evening, or a friend can babysit. Or seek professional help: at Eduvik, we assist your child with tailored tutoring at a fair price. You stay informed about each lesson — without needing to know the entire curriculum.

Is it financially difficult? Feel free to contact us about our social activities EduCare.

Conclusion

The exam period, in June and December, is not only tough for students, but also for parents. The home situation is changing, the pressure is rising — and you often figure yourself out. But you do what you can, and that's more than enough.
💡 Give yourself the space to take good care of yourself too. Because a parent who feels good is the best support for a child who needs to perform. Together, we'll make this period more bearable — for your child and for you.

Resources

• Statbel (2023). Family structures in Belgium. www.statbel.fgov.be
• UGent (2021). Stress among parents during their children's exam period.

Photo by Drazen Zigic.