How can I help my kids through exam results day?

Anna was really nervous ahead of her results coming out, and spent the morning in front of her computer waiting for them to drop.

Once they had, Les drove her to college to collect them in person, which Anna says made her feel really supported.

Les says he had decided that no matter what Anna’s grades were, he was going to tell her “well done”.

“If they get top marks or bottom marks it’s not going to change anything. It is what it is and you’ve got to be positive,” he says.

Stevie Goulding, senior manager for parents and carers services at the charity, Young Minds, says this kind of language is key – as is asking your child how they are feeling, and being careful not to invalidate those feelings.

Stevie says this means instead of saying “don’t worry”, say something like: “You’ve told me you’re worried and that’s OK, what can I do to help?”

To keep conversations open she says you should never let your kids hear even the tiniest hint of disappointment in your voice, including when speaking to others on the phone or in family WhatsApp groups.

“Your words really matter,” Stevie adds.

Anna says her dad’s positivity was invaluable.

“It was nice to have that support of someone who doesn’t really care about the results, just cares about you and cares about your happiness.”